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AKG K601 vs Wavefun Wave Pro X: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Wavefun Wave Pro X comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 89. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Wavefun Wave Pro X - Outstanding overall at around $130.

Score breakdown

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

Wavefun Wave Pro X leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • AKG K601
  • Wavefun Wave Pro X
HearWiki score
60
89
Sound
7.2
8.5
Noise cancelling
-
8.0
Battery
-
9.5
Calls
-
7.5
Value
-
9.0
Price (USD)
$90
$130

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 Wavefun Wave Pro X is 21 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 Wavefun Wave Pro X adds USB-C. For 21 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • K6012005
  • Wave Pro X202621 yr newer
What differsK601Wave Pro X

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

K601Wave Pro X
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$90
$130
HearWiki score
60
89
Released
2005
2026
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
2× 45 mm dynamic
2× 40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
45 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
2
2
Frequency response
12 Hz - 39.5 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sound signature
bright
-
Impedance
120 Ω
-
Sensitivity
92 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
-
6.0
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
-
100 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
60 h
Wireless charging
-
Yes
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
buttons
-
Weight
311 g
-
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes

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

Wavefun Wave Pro X

The Wavefun Wave Pro X is a versatile over-ear wireless headphone with a claimed 100-hour battery life (60 with ANC on), Bluetooth 6.0, and a foldable design for portability. It features active noise cancellation, transparency mode, wear detection, and a detachable cable for wired use, making it a strong budget-friendly option for everyday listening.

  • Pro:Exceptional 100-hour battery life (60 with ANC)
  • Pro:Includes ANC, transparency mode, and wear detection
  • Pro:Foldable design with USB-C and wireless charging
  • Con:No mention of high-resolution codec support in specs
  • Con:Frequency response range is standard, not extended
  • Con:Plastic build may feel less premium at this price

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.

New comparisonAKG K601Wavefun Wave Pro X