Short answer: the Monoprice Modern Retro, though neither ranks well in its class. Both are rated 1.0/5 for sound quality (#480 and #472 of 481 over-ear headphones), and the Monoprice Modern Retro costs $29.99 against $58.99 for the AKG K72, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 481 over-ear headphones, and the Superlux HD 668B, ranked #29 at $49.99, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The case for the AKG K72: A budget closed-back wired headphone at 0.4 lbs (200 g), light for its size. The tradeoff: The response is very uneven, with a standard deviation of 5.9 dB and a preference score of 13.
What the Monoprice Modern Retro does well: Bass is lifted about 7.6 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight. Watch for: Presence sits about 4.7 dB low with an 11.2 dB dip near 11.2 kHz, so vocals and instruments lose some bite.
Buy the Monoprice Modern Retro. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $29 less than the AKG K72.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
A budget closed-back wired headphone at 200 g, light for its size.
Amazon $58.99 eBay
Bass is lifted about 7.6 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight.
Monoprice $29.99 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| AKG K72 | Monoprice Modern Retro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $58.99 | $29.99 |
| Ranked | #472 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #480 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 13 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 1 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 5.93 dB standard deviation | 5.33 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.70 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -2.95 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.4 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+6.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 40mm dynamic | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 112 dB SPL/V | - |
| Frequency Response | 16Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 15Hz - 25kHz |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (200 g) | - |
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