Skip to content
HearWiki

AKG K490NC

36/ 100
Weak
HearWiki score

Poor value

$50
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated
Manufacturer pageBuy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
AKG
Type
On-Ear
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
Yes
Released
2018

Score breakdownweak overall

Sound6.0
Noise cancelling3.5
Battery6.0

High-performance, active noise-canceling on-ear headphones with light weight, soft leather pads, and AKG signature sound. Features HARMAN-exclusive noise-reduction algorithms and a bypass cable for continuous listening when the battery runs dry.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The AKG K490NC are lightweight, foldable on-ear headphones that pair a balanced 40mm dynamic driver with active noise cancellation for everyday listening. Their sound and ANC are competent for casual use, though not class-leading, and the included wired connection with detachable cable adds flexibility at a budget-friendly price. Battery life and portability are highlights, making them a solid pick for commuters rather than critical listeners.

What works

  • Lightweight and foldable for easy travel
  • Balanced sound with decent clarity for the price
  • Active noise cancellation works well for casual environments
  • Detachable cable and wired option add versatility
  • Good value in its price range

What doesn't

  • ANC and soundstage are only middling, not top-tier
  • High mids and sub-bass decay could be better
  • Recharge via a non-standard USB-to-2.5mm cable

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - AKG K490NC
Driver40 mm dynamic
Driver typedynamic
Driver size40 mm
Frequency response20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance32 Ω
Sensitivity117 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)117

Where to buy

Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.

What the reviews said

3 source(s) feeding this product's score.

head-fi.org

Head-Fi user/editorial impressions were generally positive, praising the sound, style, and noise cancelling. Because this is a community review page rather than a standard professional lab review, it should be treated as less authoritative than the major editorial sources above.

Read the full review

reviewed.com

Reviewed found the K490NC to be competent at both sound and noise reduction, but not especially impressive for the price. Their testing noted a balanced overall response with some weaknesses in the high mids and sub-bass decay, and the ANC performance was solid rather than class-leading.

Read the full review

soundandvision.com

Sound & Vision reported that the K490 NC uses active noise cancellation, has 40 mm drivers, and folds flat for portability. The review also emphasized that the headphones recharge through a supplied USB-to-2.5 mm cable.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

2:33

AKG K490NC: Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones You've Never Heard Of?

Cool_Tech plus32 viewsAug 2025

The reviewer finds the AKG K490NC to be a strong, underrated option in the noise-cancelling headphone market, praising its clear and balanced sound, effective (though not perfect) noise cancellation, and compact folding design. They highlight its ability to play music even when the battery dies and its easy-to-drive 26-ohm impedance, concluding it offers a compelling mix of performance, portability, and value for travelers and commuters.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

Own these? Rate them.

A minute of your experience with the AKG K490NC helps the next person shopping for them.

Alternatives in the $25–$100 range

Other on-ear models at a comparable price, ordered by HearWiki score.

More from AKG

Other AKG models in the database, same category first.