The battle to be declared the best noise cancelling headphones in the world is a titanic struggle between some of the biggest names in tech, with the Bose NC 700 probably out in front in terms of sales and the Big two from (Sony and Bowers & Wilkins) vying to be the critic's favourite. Now, with the all-new AKG Y600NC, Samsung's audio subsidiary is re-entering the noise cancelling fray.
It's promising 'a seamless listening experience', whatever the hell that means, and AKG's headphones are nearly always on point in terms of audio quality and keen pricing, so this is a BIG DEAL.
Admittedly I have not actually heard the AKG Y600NC yet, so we will just stick to the stats for the time being. First up, and curiously, it appears aptX and AAC are not supported, which is a bit disappointing.
Despite that, AKG promises 'studio-quality sound… deep in bass and rich in mid-range,' and I dare say there will be some treble as well. You can tweak the level of Active Noise Cancelling via an app, going from full immersion in the music, to being able to hear your surroundings, whether that's for safety, conversation, or hearing train announcements.
Like a lot of recent premium headphones, the Y600NC automatically pauses when you take them off, then resumes when their spider senses tell them they are back in Ear Town.
Battery life is pretty good at 25 hours, 'with an extra 4-hours of playback from just a quick 10-minute charge.'
As with Bose's NC 700, Samsung is making a big deal about call quality and personal assistant activation with the Y600NC. Its dual mics are powered by 'World-class audio technology that eliminates intrusive echoes, strikes the perfect balance between noise cancellation and ambient awareness.' So hopefully, Alexa/Google/Siri will hear your commands and obey you, for once.
As well as tailoring the level of noise abatement, AKG's app also lets you customise the EQ to suit your hearing and tastes. My favourite feature? 'The innovative rotating control for easy volume levels.' Yes, Samsung has revived the volume knob!
AKG Y600NC comes in a choice of rather muted tones of black, gold or silver and Samsung assures me they are 'lightweight, stylish and built with premium materials for durability and comfort.'
- Shure Aonic 50 review – among the very best noise cancelling headphones
AKG Y600NC: price and release date
A price of under £200 is very competitive for premium noise cancelling headphones. On past experience I'd expect these to sound very good, although previous attempts at ANC by AKG have not quite been up there with the real top dogs of noise cancellation, Sony, Bose, Beats by Dr Dre or Bowers & Wilkins.
The package includes charging cable, a 3.5mm audio cable – the headphones can be used wired – and, of course, a carrying pouch, which you will either immediately lose, or use to keep onions in.
• Shop AKG Y600 NC in Black, Gold or Silver for £199 (opens in new tab)
AKG Y400 on-ear headphones
AKG Y400: 20 hours of battery life and a sound as perky as its paintwork
Also announced today was the Y400. The latest in an illustrious line of on-ear AKG headphones, these are lightweight, foldable and come in Black, Blue, Green, Pink and Rose Gold.
• Shop AKG Y400 for £109 (opens in new tab)
AKG Y600NC: Spec
Driver size 40mm
Frequency response 10Hz –24kHz
Impedance 32 Ohms
Sensitivity 110dB SPL/V @1kHz
Bluetooth transmitted power 0-4dBm
Bluetooth transmitted modulation GFSK, /4 DQPSK, 8DPSK
Bluetooth frequency range 2.402 − 2.48GHz
Bluetooth profiles A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6
Bluetooth version V5.0
Battery Lithium-ion Polymer (3.7V, 610mAh)
Charging time 2 hours
Music time with BT &NC on 25 hours
Talk time with NC on 35 hours
Weight 322g
AKG Y400: Spec
Driver size 36mm
Frequency response 20Hz –20kHz
Impedance 32 Ohms
Sensitivity 106dB SPL/1mW
Bluetooth transmitted power 0-4dBm (EIRP)
Bluetooth transmitted modulation GFSK, /4 DQPSK, 8DPSK
Bluetooth frequency range 2402 − 2480MHz
Bluetooth profiles HFP V1.6, A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5
Bluetooth version V5.0
Battery type Lithium-ion Polymer (3.7V, 360mAh)
Charging time 2 hours
Music time with BT on 20 hours
Talk time with BT on 20 hours
Weight 170g