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AKG K601 vs FiiO EH13: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the FiiO EH13 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: FiiO EH13 - Outstanding overall at around $50.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

FiiO EH13 leads on 7 of 7 measures.

  • AKG K601
  • FiiO EH13
HearWiki score
60
86
Sound
7.2
8.0
Noise cancelling
-
8.0
Battery
-
10.0
Calls
-
8.0
Value
-
10.0
Price (USD)
$90
$50

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?

Half a step newer

FiiO EH13 (2026) against AKG K601 (2005). The FiiO EH13 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Hybrid against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • K6012005
  • EH13202621 yr newer
What differsK601EH13

Platform

ANC type
None
Hybrid

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

K601EH13
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$90
$50
HearWiki score
60
86
Released
2005
2026
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
2× 45 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
45 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
12 Hz - 39.5 kHz
20 Hz - 40 kHz
Sound signature
bright
-
Impedance
120 Ω
16 Ω
Sensitivity
92 dB/mW
-
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Battery life
-
75 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
45 h
Full charge time
-
120 min
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
-
hybrid
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Controls
buttons
buttons
Weight
311 g
278 g
USB-C
No
Yes
Microphones
-
5

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

FiiO EH13

The FiiO EH13 is a budget-friendly wireless over-ear headphone with 40mm dynamic drivers and hybrid active noise cancellation. It offers impressive battery life, LDAC support, and a foldable design, making it a versatile option for everyday use. App control and multipoint connectivity add to its convenience.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life of up to 75 hours
  • Pro:Hybrid ANC with transparency mode
  • Pro:LDAC support for high-quality wireless audio
  • Con:Plastic build may feel less premium
  • Con:No aptX codec support
  • Con:Controls are button-based only

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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