Short answer: the Simgot EP5. Both are rated 3.5/5 for sound quality (#254 and #236 of 481 over-ear headphones), and the Simgot EP5 costs $97.99 against $119.99 for the AKG K361, so with nothing between them on sound quality, price settles it.
Why pick the AKG K361: Bass is a little above target, about 2.6 dB in the sub-bass and 2.1 dB in the bass, so kick drums and bass lines have solid weight. The catch: Presence is about 3.8 dB low between 3 and 6 kHz and a 7.4 dB dip near 3.9 kHz pulls back vocal clarity and the bite of snares and guitars.
Why pick the Simgot EP5: The median of 7 hobbyist measurements gives it a solid Harman preference score of 70 with a 2.38 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 0.9 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural. The catch: Treble sits about 4 dB low, so it sounds a little dark.
Buy the Simgot EP5. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $22 less than the AKG K361.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Bass is a little above target, about 2.6 dB in the sub-bass and 2.1 dB in the bass, so kick drums and bass lines have solid weight.
Amazon $119.99 eBay
The median of 7 hobbyist measurements gives it a solid Harman preference score of 70 with a 2.38 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 0.9 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural.
Amazon $97.99 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| AKG K361 | Simgot EP5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.99 | $97.99 |
| Ranked | #236 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #254 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 71 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 70 (median of 7 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.19 dB standard deviation | 2.38 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.99 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.89 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+3.0 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 114 dB SPL/V | 113 dB/Vrms |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (219 g) | 0.7 lbs (300 g) |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 15Hz - 50kHz |
Frequency Response Compared
Both headphones’ measurements overlaid on the Harman target. Above the target sounds louder in that range, below it quieter. Each curve is the median of several independent measurements, shifted so its 500 Hz to 2 kHz average sits at 0 dB, so only the tuning is compared.
Measurement data: the AKG K361 from audioamigo, boizoff, kuulokenurkka and listener; the Simgot EP5 from audioamigo, boizoff, capraaudio, gadgetrytech, sai, superreview and suporsalad, all via squig.link.
Related Headphone Comparisons
How AKG K361 compares with other leading options: