On-Ear
AKG K490NC
72Good
$300
Full review dataAKG K490NC vs Beyerdynamic DT 275 PRO: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the AKG K490NC comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 72. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: AKG K490NC - Good overall at around $300.
On-Ear
Beyerdynamic DT 275 PRO
72Good
$150
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
AKG K490NC
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling6.5
Battery8.0
Value7.5
Beyerdynamic DT 275 PRO
Sound7.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | AKG K490NC | Beyerdynamic DT 275 PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Type | On-Ear | On-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $300 | $150 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2018 | 2019 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 45 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 5Hz-24kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 45 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 117 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 40 h | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No |
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 150 g | 195 g |
| Foldable | Yes | No |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
What reviewers said
AKG K490NC
The AKG K490NC is a compact, foldable on-ear headphone that pairs active noise cancellation with a long-lasting 40-hour battery for everyday travel use. Its sound is balanced and serviceable, though not class-leading, and the ANC is solid but not exceptional, making it a better fit for casual listening than critical or immersive sessions. While it performs well for its price tier, some aspects like soundstage and high-mid clarity leave room for improvement.
- Pro:Long 40-hour battery life
- Pro:Foldable and lightweight design for portability
- Pro:Balanced overall sound with decent detail
- Con:Soundstage and ANC are only middling
- Con:High mids and sub-bass decay could be better
- Con:Recharge via non-standard USB-to-2.5mm cable
Beyerdynamic DT 275 PRO
This closed on-ear headphone is tuned for professional monitoring, with a bass-forward character and strong passive isolation that suits DJ work and voice tracking in noisy settings. It's a wired, utilitarian tool built for assertive sound rather than casual listening, offering good loudness even from modest sources. The design prioritizes practical stage and booth use with a detachable cable, though it skips modern conveniences like wireless or noise-canceling tech.
- Pro:Powerful, punchy bass for monitoring or DJ tasks
- Pro:Excellent passive isolation for loud environments
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended sessions
- Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless options
- Con:Bass-forward tuning may not suit neutral-critical listening
- Con:On-ear style can cause fatigue over long periods
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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