Wired IEMs
AKG N5005
84Great
$285
Full review dataAKG N5005 vs Westone B30: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the AKG N5005 vs Westone B30, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Wired IEMs
Westone B30
Not yet scored
$450
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
AKG N5005
Sound9.0
Battery6.0
Value6.5
Westone B30
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Specifications
| Spec | AKG N5005 | Westone B30 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $285 | $450 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | Not scored |
| Released | 2018 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 1 dynamic + 4 balanced armature | BA |
| Driver size | 9.2 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 5 | 3 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-40kHz | 15Hz-18kHz |
| Impedance | 18 Ω | 30 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 116 dB/mW | 107 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 4.1 | aptX |
| Codecs | AptX, SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 8 h | 8 h |
| Full charge time | 120 min | - |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 11.4 g | - |
| Water resistance | - | IPX4 |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
What reviewers said
AKG N5005
The AKG N5005 is a premium hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a dynamic driver with four balanced armatures for detailed, reference-grade sound. It offers versatile tuning options and a strong accessory set, though its wired-only connection and lack of noise cancellation may limit its appeal for some listeners. Priced around $199, it delivers high-end performance that rivals far more expensive models.
- Pro:Excellent clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Multiple tuning filters for sound customization
- Pro:Solid build quality with detachable cable
- Con:No wireless or noise-canceling support
- Con:Lacks aptX HD codec
- Con:Price may still feel steep for some
Westone B30
The Westone B30 is a triple balanced armature in-ear monitor that targets both professional users and audiophiles, offering a wired connection with a detachable cable. It provides a balanced, detailed sound signature and a comfortable, secure fit, though it lacks wireless or app-based customization options.
- Pro:Detailed and accurate sound reproduction
- Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement or upgrade
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
- Con:No wireless or Bluetooth functionality
- Con:No built-in equalizer or companion app
- Con:Battery life is irrelevant as it is wired
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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