AKG are renowned for producing high quality, award winning audio products and the Y50BT wireless headphones are no exception. Great sound, comfortable to wear, super build quality and they’ll connect to your Bluetooth device with one click of a button.
The Swift Summary
Pros
Cons
- Industry leading audio performance
- Very comfortable
- Unique compact folding design
- Six colours to choose from
- Flawless connectivity and ease-of-use
- Branding not so subtle
- 20hr battery life could be better
Features of the AKG Y50BT headphones
- Superb AKG quality sound with enriched bass performance
- Wireless connectivity (via Bluetooth)
- Bi-directional folding design
- On-ear cup design
- 20 hour battery life
- Rechargeable battery via USB
- Integrated remote playback controls
- Integrated microphone
- Included soft pouch for storage and transportation
- Available in several colours: black, silver, red, blue, teal and yellow (as shown below)
- Detachable mini jack audio cable for wired use
- Adjustable padded head strap
- LED status indicator
- 1 year manufacturers’ warranty
Swift Thoughts
Design
Personally I love the design of the AKG Y50BT’s. I’m a huge fan of the punchy colour options. The Blue versions I own have a beautifully speckled metallic paint finish that isn’t easy to see from the manufacturers’ photographs. The thin chrome trim around the ear cups is also a neat touch.
Audio Performance
As with all AKG products I’ve tested, the audio quality of the AKG Y50BT’s is second to none. They offer a full-spectrum audio experience with a superb balance that feels just right.
Comfort
Comfort is really good. They didn’t clamp onto my head unlike other firm fitting designs. This makes them ideal for extended periods of usage. You may initially think that the joints between ear cups and headband are a little loose. But after wearing them a few times you’ll realise that this actually makes them supremely comfortable without fatigue issues.
Build Quality
I’ve owned my pair of Y50BT’s for over a year and not noticed any build quality issues. If you look after them well they should last a long time.
Functionality
The headphones are really easy to use and the overall functionality is great. The button placement is good and the labelling is minimal for a clean unfussy look. My only tiny gripe would be that when using them wired to an iPad for watching videos, the cable awkwardly crosses from my right ear over the left bottom edge of the iPad. :/
Battery Life
The battery has a 20 hour life cycle which is more than enough for most casual users. It’s not class leading but certainly not a deal breaker.
FAQs
Q: Are the AKG Y50BT’s noise cancelling headphones?
A: Technically no, but they do block out a lot of ambient noise.
Q: How big in diameter are the ear cups?
A: Approx 7cm (2.8 inches)
Q: How long is the wire for connected use?
A: Approx 120cm (1.2 metres)
Q: Will they fit larger heads?
A: Yes. They don’t clamp onto you head unlike some other brands which makes them really comfortable when using them for long periods. The only downside is that jogging or exercising with them is a big nope.
Q: Is there an audible hiss during quiet moments?
A: No.
Q: Do they come with a hard carry case?
A: No, just a soft neoprene draw-string pouch. Take a look below in our recommended accessories section.
Q: Are the Y50BT’s suitable for use whilst running?
A: No, probably not. Earphones/earbuds would be best.
Q: Do they leak sound?
A: Nope.
Q: What’s the battery life like over time?
A: Great. I’ve had mine for over a year and not noticed any diminishing of battery life.
Q: Are these headphones suitable for people who wear glasses?
A: Yes. I’ve experienced no problems.
Q: Will they work with my iPad, iPhone, iPod etc…?
A: Yes, as long as they have Bluetooth connectivity.
Q: Will the AKG Y50BT headphones work with a PS4?
A: Yes, absolutely. Just connect them via wire to the controller and update your PS4 audio settings to send all audio through your controller.
What’s in the box?
- AKG Y50BT wireless headphones
- Detachable cable
- Micro USB charging cable
- Soft neoprene carry pouch
Award winning headphones
The AKG Y50BT won the ‘What Hi-Fi? Best wireless on-ear headphones under £250’ category in 2015. The non-wireless versions of these headphones, the AKG Y50, also won the What Hi-Fi ? Sound And Vision 2014 headphone product of the Year Award! Now that’s mighty impressive and just goes to show how good AKG are at producing superb quality audio products that punch well above their weight for the price you’ll pay!
Whilst the term ‘award-winning’ can be a phrase used a lot when it comes to marketing speak, the fact that the product had two consecutive wins from a highly respected authority in the field made my purchasing decision easy.
AKG Y50BT – Colour Options
The AKG Y50BT headphones are available in six colours.
How to connect your AKG Y50BT headphones to a Bluetooth device
First make sure your device has Bluetooth connectivity switched on. Then switch the headphones on by clicking a button on your right ear cup. You should hear a double beep as confirmation. When you’re syncing for the first time, you’ll need to select AKG Y50BT on your device’s Bluetooth connection page. To confirm the two devices are connected you’ll hear another higher pitch beep. Job done.
Once set up with your favourite device all you should need to do is switch the headphones on and connection will happen automatically. Once you hear the third beep, you’re good to go!
Download the manual
If you’re interested you can download the AKG Y50BT Manual. Just look directly underneath the ‘Product Details’ section header. Here you’ll also find a link to download the product specifications PDF.
Alternative headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-AR3BT are a great alternative for on-ear wireless headphones. They will clamp over your ears a little firmer making running or exercising a possibility. The only downside is that they may be less suitable for larger heads.
The Lindy BNX-60 are also a great alternative if you want noise cancelling headphones. Audiophiles may notice a small compromise on sound richness and quality though.
If you need noise cancelling headphones without compromising on sound quality then we recommend taking a look at the AKG N60NC headphones. Just expect to pay a little more for them.
Recommended accessories
Geekria EJB29 UltraShell is a well designed hard shell case suitable for your ATH-AR3BT headphones. Unlike cheap softer cases you might be recommended, this one will give your headphones better protection whilst travelling. It comes in eight different colour/material options and features an internal mesh pocket for accessories. It’s definitely worth investing in a case if you plan to travel with your headphones!
Avantree Priva III Bluetooth Audio Transmitter. This neat little gadget gives your TV or PC Bluetooth capabilities so you use it with your wireless Bluetooth headphones.
