AKG K240 Studio

The K240 Studio is a long-standing semi-open reference headphone on a budget, a beginner-tier pick at 55 ohms. Its semi-open design gives a more natural, spacious sound than sealed cans at the price. That openness leaks, though, so it's poor for tracking in the same room as a live mic — use it for monitoring and casual reference, not loud recording sessions.
Scores
BreakdownHideOverall64±6Caliber-forward blend — tier caliber + within-tier price rank 30%, value 25%, confidence 20%, compatibility 15%, upgrade path 10% — renormalized over applicable dimensions; excluded here: compatibility (no ecosystem dimension).
Scores
BreakdownHideCaliber-forward blend — tier caliber + within-tier price rank 30%, value 25%, confidence 20%, compatibility 15%, upgrade path 10% — renormalized over applicable dimensions; excluded here: compatibility (no ecosystem dimension).
The ± band on the overall score reflects sourcing confidence — wider when fewer specs are verified.
How each score is computed: our scoring methodology.
Specifications
| Spec | Value | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| design | Semi OpenSourced | Sourced |
| impedance ohms | 55Sourced | Sourced |
2/2 detail specs sourced. Amber rows are flagged for verification — we show them as reported, not confirmed.
Verdict
Best for
- Semi-open reference on a budget
Who should skip this
- Loud-environment tracking (semi-open bleed)
Where to buy
List price $99
Prices are a guide and can change — confirm the current price on the retailer's site before buying.
Prices last checked Jun 15, 2026 — retailer prices change often, so click through for the current price.
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Compatibility
No platform-specific compatibility requirements — this works in any standard music production setup.
Upgrade path
Outgrow it and the Sony MDR-7506 is the natural next step up in headphones. See it →