What we liked
- The latency-free 2.4GHz connection
- Their great versatility
- The ability to store the dongle in the ear cup
- The comprehensive app, accessible without an online account
We would have liked
- More balanced highs and mids
Our expert’s opinion
The AKG N9 Hybrid wireless headphones stand out for their versatility and overall performance, whether you're listening to music, watching movies or gaming. Their impressive battery life and latency-free 2.4GHz connection make them a compelling choice for those seeking a compromise-free experience. Despite perhaps requiring some adjustments regarding the sound balance, they stand out as a comprehensive and efficient solution, capable of satisfying many users.
Equipped with 40mm dynamic transducers, the AKG N9 Hybrid headphones offer Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity with a USB dongle. Practical for listening to music with a smartphone or DAP, they may also appeal to movie buffs and gamers thanks to their latency-free connection. Priced at €349, do these wireless headphones live up to all their promises?
Included accessories
The AKG N9 Hybrid headphones come with their own hard carrying case. They are accompanied by a USB-C cable, a 3.5mm jack cable, a 2.4 GHz dongle, a USB-C to USB-A adapter and an airplane adapter. Everything is stored in a dedicated compartment inside the case. Finally, a manual is also included in the box, although the headphones are very intuitive to use.
Presentation
Audio design, active noise cancelling and microphone
The AKG N9 Hybrid wireless headphones are a closed-back model that completely surrounds the ears (circumaural). Their 40mm transducers covers a frequency response of 20Hz to 40kHz. LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) diaphragms ensure good dynamics and very low distortion. The headphones therefore keep their promise of offering Hi-Res Audio, delivering a detailed, faithful sound reproduction for music, films and video games.
As far as noise reduction is concerned, these headphones are particularly effective, offering total immersion. An “Ambient Aware” mode is also included, enabling you to hear your surroundings. A third mode, “TalkThru”, amplifies voices for clear communication. Of course, the app also allows you to deactivate the noise cancelling. Whether at home, on the street or in the office, the AKG N9 Hybrid can be adapted to different uses.
The AKG N9 Hybrid headphones also feature four microphones capable of isolating your voice. This feature eliminates background noise or wind during outdoor calls. Zoom certified, they’re ideal for videoconferencing and answering important phone calls.
Bluetooth, USB 2.4 GHz dongle and wired connectivity
For wireless use, the AKG N9 Hybrid headphones provide a Bluetooth 5.3 connection, using the LDAC codec, simplified by support for Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair. Whether you’re using Android, Windows, iOS or MacOS, the headphones are immediately recognized and pairing is instantaneous. In use, with both an Android/iOS smartphone and a computer, the connection was perfectly stable and seamless.
A USB-C dongle is also included, enabling a latency-free, 2.4 GHz connection. A welcome option for gamers who can enjoy the headphones AKG N9 Hybrid headphones with the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch or a PC. This dongle can also be used on a smartphone or tablet, for mobile gaming and to watch videos with perfectly synchronized image and sound. They also come with a USB-C to USB-A adapter for compatibility with many devices.
These latest-generation wireless headphones can also be used with a wired connection as they feature a 3.5mm jack port. This means they can be used passively, when switched off or when the battery is flat. In active wired mode, you’ll need to disconnect Bluetooth or the dongle, as the headphones use these protocols as a priority, despite the presence of the connected mini-jack cable. Finally, there is no USB-C audio support, and the headphones cannot be used while charging.
Impressive battery life
The battery life of the AKG N9 Hybrid is one of the headphones’ strong points, offering up to 100 hours of listening in Bluetooth mode with the noise cancelling deactivated. The autonomy is 55 hours with the ANC. Using the 2.4 GHz wireless connection via the USB-C dongle, autonomy can reach up to 85 hours without noise reduction and up to 45 hours with this feature activated. Impressive performance for long listening sessions without running out of battery.
Weight and comfort
Weighing just 281 grams, the AKG N9 Hybrid wireless headphones are surprisingly lightweight. This lightness makes them particularly comfortable to wear. The synthetic leather headband adapts perfectly to the shape of your head. Although comfortable, the ear pads could have been a bit more breathable. After playing Sheepy: A Short Adventure, for two hours, our ears did get a bit warm. It’s also a shame that they aren’t replaceable.
The headphones seem solid and are perfectly suited to everyday use. Whether you’re listening to music on the move, at home, or watching movies and playing video games, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. The pressure of the ear cups on the temples is light, which is appreciated when wearing glasses. While the AKG N9 Hybrid headphones are perfect for these uses, the fit won’t be a secure during intense movements, so they’re not recommended for CrossFit sessions!
Controls
On the left ear cup is a button to switch between the active noise cancelling and transparency modes. There is also the 3.5mm mini-jack port for the wired connection. This earpiece also features a discreet storage compartment for the USB-C dongle, which can be accessed by sliding the integrated cover.
The right earpiece features a thumb wheel for volume control. The power button is also used for Bluetooth pairing in its lowest position. Pairing with the USB-C dongle is automatic and instantaneous. Finally, there’s also a button to activate or deactivate playback. Located on the back of the headphones, these controls take a little getting used to, but are highly ergonomic.
AKG Headphones: an accessible app
The AKG Headphones app works without having to create an online account, a very welcome choice that allows you to use it right away. The interface is neat and clear. All functions are accessible in just a few taps. This software is very reminiscent of the one used by JBL, another Harman brand.
With ANC settings, a 10-band equalizer, low-latency mode and 3D sound modes, the app is ultra-complete. Novices may be put off by the sheer number of options, but an information button simply explains each one. During our test, we were offered an update, which was carried out quickly and smoothly.
Key specifications
Closed-back over-ear headphones
40mm dynamic transducers
Frequency response: 20Hz to 40kHz
Sensitivity: 98 dB SPL at 1 kHz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Connectors: 3.5mm mini-jack and USB-C (charging only)
Wireless: Bluetooth 5.3 (LDAC) and USB-C/USB-A 2.4 GHz dongle
Battery life: up to 100 hours
Weight: 281g
Listening conditions
To put the AKG N9 Hybrid wireless headphones through their paces, we tested them with a computer, a PlayStation 5 and a smartphone. Music was listened to in Hi-Res on the Qobuz streaming platform. We played Cyberpunk 2077 and Sheepy: A Short Adventure to test their gaming capabilities. Finally, to ensure perfect synchronization between the sound and image, we watched videos on YouTube, as well as series on Prime Video.
Listening impressions
The AKG N9 Hybrid’s frequency response of 20Hz to 40kHz immediately revealed the full extent of its possibilities when listening to Hela from the Hellblade game soundtrack. This track, with its extremely deep bass, is ideal for assessing headphones’ limits. Here, the AKG N9 Hybrid headphones did rather well, even more so after a few hours of running-in. Distortion was perfectly controlled, making the listening experience particularly pleasant with demanding music.
With From Past to Present, taken from the Skyrim soundtrack, the headphones allowed us to rediscover Jeremy Soule’s incredible orchestration. The dynamics were maintained between the quiet harp notes and the arrival of the violins. There was, however, a certain generosity in the treble that may be unpleasant in the long run, but nothing that an equalizer can’t correct. On a rock track like South Arcade’s How 2 Get Away With Murder, the sound was rich and powerful, with precise bass without being intrusive. The midrange was slightly withdrawn, and could have done with more presence.
When used with their USB dongle, there wasn’t any latency and the headphones delivered uncompressed sound. This way, we enjoyed the full potential of Hi-Res music, with greater precision that allowed us to rediscover all the details of the tracks. So much so that it makes you wonder whether Wi-Fi technology will oust Bluetooth, as mentioned in a previous article on the subject.
When watching a series, film or YouTube video, synchronization was perfect. When playing Cyberpunk 2077 on the PlayStation 5, the soundscape of Night City were perfectly reproduced, with completely immersive spatialization. Dialogue was also well reproduced, and did credit to the dubbing actors. However, if we were to be picky, the localization of sound events could have been more precise. It will suit most gamers perfectly, but fans of competitive games will have to turn to headphones specialized for gaming.
Last but not least, we were once again delighted with the free game Sheepy: A Short Adventure, which offers both a visual and auditory experience, underpinned by a wonderful soundscape and music that the AKG N9 Hybrid headphones truly enhanced. They adapted perfectly to the reflective and dynamic parts of the game.
AKG N9 Hybrid compared to the Marshall Monitor III A.N.C.
In the same price range, the Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. stand out for their vintage design, inspired by the manufacturer’s guitar amplifiers, offering a rich audio experience with deep bass and balanced sound. In terms of battery life, they also offer up to 100 hours of uninterrupted listening without noise reduction. Slightly lighter at 250 grams, they’re comfortable and portable thanks to their foldable design. However, the presence of the USB dongle on the AKG N9 Hybrid wireless headphones is a real advantage, enabling you to enjoy uncompressed, latency-free sound.
Who are they for?
The AKG N9 Hybrid wireless headphones impress with their versatility. They perform very well in most situations, whether for listening to music, TV series, films or video games. The addition of the USB dongle is a real plus, particularly for gamers and movie buffs who want perfectly synchronized sound and images. The bandwidth offered by the 2.4 GHz connection also promises uncompressed sound that will delight music lovers. Add to this the possibility of using them on the move, and you have a highly versatile pair of headphones that you can take anywhere.
User rating and review
Super green! Everything is high-quality: the build, the sound, the value for money! No criticisms…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 – Review published on September 18, 2025 on Son-Vidéo.com by Hendrixou
Frequently asked questions about the AKG N9 Hybrid headphones
The headphones can reach 100 hours in Bluetooth mode without ANC, and 55 hours with the ANC activated. In 2.4GHz mode with the USB-C dongle, it offers up to 45 hours of playback with ANC and 85 hours without.
Yes, they have Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications. This ensures a faithful reproduction, with detailed high resolution sound in both wired and wireless mode via LDAC.
Yes, they use adaptive active noise cancelling with 6 built-in microphones. They also offer a transparency mode so you can hear your surroundings when necessary.
Yes, thanks to their 3.5mm jack connector and included audio cable. They even work without the battery in passive mode.
It provides a latency-free 2.4GHz connection, ideal for games and videos. The dongle is cleverly stored in the left earpiece to ensure safe transport.
Yes, they can be connected to several devices at the same time. This feature makes it easy to switch between a smartphone and a computer without having to establish a new connection.
Yes, they are Zoom-certified and equipped with 4 adaptive microphones. This ensures clear voices, even in noisy environments.
Weighing only 281g, they are light and pleasant to wear for long sessions. Their imitation leather ear pads are comfortable, but can’t be replaced.
They come with a USB-C cable, a 3.5mm jack cable, a USB-C dongle, a USB-A adapter, a flight adapter and a hard carrying case. This set of accessories makes the headphones easy to use both at home and on the go.
No, they aren’t functional when their battery is being charged. They take around 3 hours to fully charge.
