Head to head

AKG K240 Studio vs AKG K371

A side-by-side look at AKG K240 Studio and AKG K371 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.

AKG K240 Studio

Semi-open studio staple with Varimotion drivers that Hollywood has trusted for decades

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AKG K371

Closed-back reference headphone engineered to AKG's own frequency target - foldable for the road

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At a glance

AKG K240 StudioAKG K371
Starting priceSee siteSee site
Free planNoNo
Free trialNoNo
Best forPodcast editors and producers who want semi-open monitoring - some isolation for tracking, natural staging for editingPodcasters and producers who want a modern closed-back with flat reference tuning and portable foldable design

Key features

AKG K240 Studio

  • Semi-open, over-ear design
  • 30mm XXL Varimotion diaphragm transducers
  • 15 Hz - 25 kHz frequency response
  • 55 ohm impedance
  • Self-adjusting headband
  • 3m cable with convertible 3.5mm and 6.3mm plug

AKG K371

  • 5 Hz - 40 kHz frequency response
  • Closed-back, over-ear, foldable design
  • 50mm drivers tuned to AKG Reference Response target
  • 32 ohm impedance - no amp required
  • Three detachable cables: 3m coiled, 3m straight, 1.2m straight
  • Oval ear cups for passive noise isolation

Pros and cons

AKG K240 Studio

Pros

  • Semi-open design balances isolation and natural staging
  • Varimotion drivers deliver wide dynamic range and clear highs
  • Industry-proven in professional recording and scoring environments
  • Self-adjusting headband for comfortable extended use

Cons

  • Semi-open bleeds sound - not for recording in same room as mic
  • 30mm drivers are smaller than many competitors' 40-50mm units
  • Build feels less premium than its price suggests

AKG K371

Pros

  • Flat, reference-tuned response matched to the Harman target
  • Three cable options cover all use cases
  • 32-ohm impedance works from any interface or device
  • Foldable for travel without sacrificing studio-grade accuracy

Cons

  • Foldable mechanism adds plastic to the build
  • Oval ear cups require adjustment to fit some head shapes
  • Bass extension can sound slightly soft versus V-shaped alternatives

The verdict

Choose AKG K240 Studio if

Podcast editors and producers who want semi-open monitoring - some isolation for tracking, natural staging for editing.

The K240 Studio sits between closed-back and open-back and does both reasonably well, which is exactly its value proposition. In a home studio or treated room it delivers a spacious, natural soundstage for editing and review without the full openness…

Read the full AKG K240 Studio review →

Choose AKG K371 if

Podcasters and producers who want a modern closed-back with flat reference tuning and portable foldable design.

The K371 is one of the most technically accurate closed-back headphones at its price, and the measurement community noticed it early - it closely follows the Harman target curve, which correlates well to what most people perceive as neutral and…

Read the full AKG K371 review →

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