Over-Ear
AKG K601
60Average
$90
Full review dataAKG K601 vs Alienware Pro Wireless: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Alienware Pro Wireless comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Alienware Pro Wireless - Outstanding overall at around $125.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Alienware Pro Wireless leads on 6 of 7 measures.
- AKG K601
- Alienware Pro Wireless
HearWiki score
60
86
Sound
7.2
8.7
Noise cancelling
-
8.1
Battery
-
9.1
Calls
-
8.7
Value
-
8.6
Price (USD)
$90
$120
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Alienware Pro Wireless is 19 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Alienware Pro Wireless adds USB-C. For 19 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- K6012005
- Pro Wireless202419 yr newer
What differsK601Pro Wireless
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
Everyday features
Specifications
K601Pro Wireless
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $90
- $120
- HearWiki score
- 60
- 86
- Released
- 2005
- 2024
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2× 45 mm dynamic
- 50 mm driver
- Driver type
- dynamic
- -
- Driver size
- 45 mm
- 50 mm
- Drivers per side
- 2
- 1
- Frequency response
- 12 Hz - 39.5 kHz
- 20 Hz - 40 kHz
- Sound signature
- bright
- -
- Impedance
- 120 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 92 dB/mW
- -
- Bluetooth
- -
- 5.3
- Codecs
- -
- SBC
- Multipoint pairing
- -
- No
- Battery life
- -
- 70 h
- Battery life (ANC on)
- -
- 35 h
- Quick charge
- -
- 15 min → 6 h
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- Yes
- Transparency mode
- -
- Yes
- Controls
- buttons
- -
- Weight
- 311 g
- 310 g
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
- Pad material
- -
- leatherette
- Clamp force
- -
- 365 g
- Microphones
- -
- 2
- Call noise reduction
- -
- Yes
- Call NR technology
- -
- AI ENC
What reviewers said
AKG K601
The AKG K601 is an open-back, dynamic over-ear headphone aimed at audiophiles, featuring a bright and balanced sound signature with a slight treble emphasis. It offers strong midrange detail and high comfort for long sessions, but requires a capable amplifier due to its 120-ohm impedance and provides minimal sound isolation. Its wired design and lack of active noise cancellation keep it simple and focused on pure audio performance.
- Pro:Balanced, detailed sound with a bright treble
- Pro:Very comfortable for extended listening
- Pro:Strong midrange clarity and low distortion
- Con:Needs a powerful amp to sound its best
- Con:Offers little to no sound isolation
- Con:Wired only, no modern features like ANC or USB-C
Alienware Pro Wireless
Its leatherette pads and moderate 310g weight aim for comfort during long sessions, while the 2.4GHz wireless option and USB-C charging add versatility for desk and on-the-go use. Sound quality is generally strong, but the microphone performance and a single SBC codec limit keep it from being a flawless all-rounder.
- Pro:Excellent battery life, especially with ANC off
- Pro:Comfortable leatherette ear pads for long wear
- Pro:Active noise cancellation and transparency mode included
- Con:Microphone quality is underwhelming for the price
- Con:Only SBC codec support limits high-res wireless audio
- Con:No multipoint connection for seamless device switching
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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