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.
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
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?
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
- ANC type
- None
- Hybrid
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
Platform
Everyday features
Specifications
- 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.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.