AG Review: Superb Budget-Friendly Headphones From Final Audio
We’ve all been there. You read the hype, you see the ads, you drop good money on a pair of wireless earbuds... And they're a disappointment. The connection is spotty, the sound is muddy, and don’t even get us started on how they “fit.” Finding a pair that gets everything right without costing a fortune seems almost impossible.
Almost.
Enter AG, the sub-brand of the legendary Japanese company Final Audio. AG was created to fix all these issues, and it offers that rare, almost mythical combination: minimalist design, meticulous engineering, genuinely great sound, and a connection that works flawlessly. Let’s break down the AG lineup and help you figure out which one has your name on it, shall we?
Contents
Why AG Wins Over Its Competition
Before we get to the models, let's talk about the brand. AG is the embodiment of the Japanese obsession with detail. This isn't a brand that cuts corners on quality to hit a price point. They don't sell you marketing buzzwords instead of technology.
AG is the direct subsidiary of Final Audio — the brand that even the most sophisticated audiophiles whisper about with reverence. AG has inherited the family jewels: meticulous tuning, technical precision, clean aesthetic… And it serves it all up at a price that doesn't require a second mortgage.
Born From a Legend
Final Audio has been crafting high-end, reference-grade headphones since 2007, and the brand is renowned for its precise, honest, and balanced sound. Final is the brand chosen by sound engineers, audio geeks, and audiophiles for a good reason — or, rather, a whole lot of good reasons.
When Final decided to bring its purist approach to a wider audience, AG was born. The new brand’s mission was clear: make the devices simpler, not in quality, but in experience. An easier fit, intuitive controls, and a more compact format — and through it all, a sound signature that won't give you listening fatigue, even after a three-hour hard rock binge.
The name "AG" itself comes from the ancient Japanese word "arigataki," which translates to "rare," "valuable," or "hard to come by." It’s brilliantly symbolic: in the flood of generic wireless gadgets, AG offers something truly special — an affordable price for a pair of headphones that sounds ten times its price, at least.
Sound That Doesn’t Get in the Way
AG's sound philosophy is simple: create a natural sound that doesn't get old. No aggressive bass that drowns out the details, no piercing highs that hurt your ears, no weird processing that distorts the music.
The sound is smooth, balanced, with just a touch of warmth. It’s not "Hi-Fi" in the customary sense; it's clear sound that doesn’t get in the way of living. Music, podcasts, phone calls — with AG, everything sounds organic and just right. And it's not just about the sound, either.
Everything matters. From the way the earbuds nestle in your ear to the satisfying click of the case in your hand. AG headphones are lightweight, smooth, and have no sharp edges; the materials feel premium to the touch. It's all designed so you can wear them all day and forget they're even there.
Some models feature Active Noise Cancellation, but even here, AG’s gentle touch is evident. The filtering works softly, removing distractions without creating that disorienting "vacuum" effect or distorting your music.
Which AG is Right for You?
Now for the main event. Let's get personal with each AG model.
AG COTSUBU MK2+
This is the second generation of the iconic AG COTSUBU. The original model sold over 300,000 units worldwide, and for the MK2+, the engineers took all the feedback and refined it to near perfection.
What's new?
The highs are cleaner, the soundstage is wider, and they've added multipoint connection (so you can seamlessly hop between your laptop and phone). The fit is also more secure thanks to the Deep Fit system that keeps the buds locked in, whether you're on a busy street or in the gym.
The Feel
Each earbud weighs a mere 3.5g. They're so light you'll forget they exist. But don't let the size fool you — the Japanese attention to detail is obvious.
The Sound
This is where they shine. No bloated, obnoxious bass like you find in so many other TWS earbuds. Instead, you get a balanced, clean sound where voices are clear, instruments are distinct, and the soundstage is surprisingly wide. They're perfect for music, podcasts, and calls, especially with the noise-filtering MEMS microphone that ensures the other person hears you, not the city around you.
All features are controlled by light touches on the housing. The charging case has an LED indicator that makes it easy to see how much power is left. It takes COTSUBU MK2+ around 1.5–2 hours to fully recharge, and it can run for 5 hours on one charge and up to 20 hours with a fully charged case.
AG COTSUBU ASMR
If regular headphones put sound in front of you, these put it inside you. AG's engineers designed this model specifically for the immersive, intimate world of ASMR and binaural audio. They didn't boost any effects; they just meticulously removed all the frustrating frequencies that make other earbuds unsuitable for this type of content. Every whisper feels like it's in your head, and every rustle like it’s right next to your ear.
- The Lavender model offers a warm, cozy sound, perfect for meditative content or relaxing music.
- The 3D Latte model takes it a step further, with a soundstage that is not only close but incredibly wide and spacious.
These aren't your everyday workhorse earbuds; they are a tool for deep, personal immersion. A special ASMR Mode even disables the touch controls so an accidental brush doesn't shatter your relaxation. The headphones’ sound was tuned at the hardware level, not with software tricks, ensuring a fatigue-free experience you can enjoy for hours.
AG COTSUBU Frieza Version
Yes, AG did have a full-blown collaboration with the legendary anime Dragon Ball Z. Its result is not just a paint job: the special earbuds feature custom voice prompts recorded by Frieza's original Japanese voice actor, Ryusei Nakao. Hearing the character's voice when you power on or connect makes this model feel that much more special to the anime’s fans.
Beyond the fan service, you get the same benefits as the MK2+: a lightweight and secure fit, IPX4 water resistance, and that clean, balanced AG sound signature. It’s a fantastic collectible that’s also a genuinely great pair of everyday earbuds.
But it’s the voiceover that’s Frieza Version’s key feature, so here's a quick look at when the phrases are spoken: [Insert Table: Frieza Version Voice Prompts]
AG WHP01K MK2
While the COTSUBU models are built for life on the move, the WHP01K MK2 is for quiet focus and deep immersion. This is a complete overhaul based on user feedback from the first generation.
The Sound
The 40mm drivers have been reworked for a warmer, more spacious sound with deeper, better-defined bass. No harshness, no dryness, just a silky smooth audio experience.
The Comfort
The headband and earpads have been redesigned for perfect weight distribution and a gentle fit. You can wear these for the entirety of a six-hour flight and not feel a thing.
Killer Feature
A dedicated "Silence Mode." You can activate the ANC without playing any music, effectively turning the headphones into a dedicated focus tool. It's perfect for a noisy office, a loud commute, or just reading a book in peace at home. The ANC is tuned to be effective without creating that uncomfortable "vacuum" pressure.
With up to 35 hours of battery life and the option for a wired 3.5mm connection, these are the ultimate headphones for focus and travel.
AG Models at a Glance
For those who like to compare visually, here is a table that brings everything together:
Final Recommendations
AG is a philosophy. It’s about minimalist design, genuine performance, and a deep respect for the user. There are no bad choices here, only the right choice for your lifestyle. So, let's make a simple breakdown:
- For the best all-around performance for music, calls, and daily life? Get the COTSUBU MK2+.
- For ASMR, meditation, or an intimate, immersive sound experience? The COTSUBU ASMR is your only answer.
- For quiet focus, long flights, and blocking out the world? The WHP01K MK2 is your personal cone of silence.
- And if you are a massive Dragon Ball Z fan? Don't even pretend you have a choice. The Frieza Version is for you.
Brand: AG
Type of wireless headphones: True Wireless
Bluetooth version: 5.2
Brand: AG
Type of wireless headphones: True Wireless
Bluetooth version: 5.2
Headset type: stereo
Brand: AG
Type of wireless headphones: True Wireless
Brand: AG
Type of wireless headphones: True Wireless
Bluetooth version: 5.2
Brand: AG
Type of wireless headphones: True Wireless
Bluetooth version: 5.2
Brand: AG
Type of wireless headphones: True Wireless
Bluetooth version: 5.2
Brand: AG
Type of wireless headphones: True Wireless
Bluetooth version: 5.2
But you don't just have to take our word for it: the best way to know for sure is to feel, wear, and hear every headphone for yourself. Stop by Dr.Head’s Dubai showroom, and let's find your perfect match together!
