There's no avoiding it, the AKG N60NC wireless headphones are not the coolest looking set of cans you've ever seen. In fact, the word "cans" seems very apt; the first thing that struck me about the N60's was their can-like profile.

The N60's are on-ear rather than over-ear headphones, so the ear cups are relatively small in diameter, while having to accommodate premium amplification, bluetooth and noise-cancelling technology. Add to that the luxurious cushioning combination of memory foam and protein leather, and well... they stick out a bit.

They're not curved or streamlined at all really, but the N60's are about functionality, not style. Like me. So I love them.

It goes without saying AKG headphones are going to sound great. That's why they're the choice of so many recording studios and radio stations. The N60's are no exception. So let's take that as read and move onto some of the more unique features.

Hard to say which feature AKG has put more emphasis on; noise-cancelling or bluetooth connectivity. This is partly because both features are activated with the same switch on the right-hand ear cup. If you choose to plug in using the supplied 1.2m cable, the bluetooth function is disabled automatically, but you still get noise-cancellation flicking the same switch. It's really good too. The moment you slide that switch across it's a lot like going deaf.

I've tried other noise cancelling headphones and earbuds before, some work well, some not at all. Usually it's a battery operated system which is a pain when you're travelling because sooner or later you'll have to replace those batteries. The N60's are rechargeable via microUSB, and promise around 15 hours of use under both bluetooth/noise cancelling conditions. Although I haven't worn them for 15 hours straight, I've certainly used them all day without running them flat so I wouldn't be surprised if that figure is pretty accurate. I've also been impressed at how quickly they charge.

Right next to the bluetooth/NC switch is a multifunctional play/pause, next/previous track, answer call button and I do mean, right next to. This is one of the few design flaws to be found on these headphones as both switches feel almost identical and I can never remember which one is which. As a result, I've turned off the bluetooth instead of skipping tracks on a number of occasions. I don't get why they didn't put one switch on one side and one on the other. Instead, all the controls are on the right-hand ear cup including volume up and down - although thankfully these buttons are at the front, well away from the other two.

The left-hand ear cup holds the charging port and the socket for the detachable cable. AKG describes this as "a tangle-free fabric cable." It isn't. Flat ribbon-style cables are hard to tangle. Fabric cables like these might be a bit better than standard rubber ones, but not much. Maybe I'm just really good at tangling things. Unfortunately, the included USB charging cable is made of the same material. I've managed to tangle that one too.

But that's it. That's all that's wrong with the N60's and of course, depending on what device you're connecting to, you won't need the cable anyway. The bluetooth is clear, strong and reliable. Combined with the noise cancellation, I can barely hear the vacuum cleaner I'm using. This makes it much easier to pretend I'm not using it at all.

Answering calls via the N60's is kind of surreal, because while you can hear your caller perfectly, due to the efficacy of the noise cancellation you can hardly hear yourself. The people at the other end seem to have no trouble however. 

I was a bit concerned when I saw each ear cup is only connected to the headband on one side. I assumed this would give an overall feeling of instability, if not resulting in actual instability. But rest assured this is definitely not the case. I've put in several weeks of constant use with these headphones and they're showing absolutely no signs of wear and tear whatsoever. This is of course what you'd expect from a high-end headset like this although I've been disappointed with the lack of durability from other brands in the past.

Not only do the N60's feel solid as, they're some of the most comfortable, well balanced headphones I've ever bunged on my bonce. Because they're on-ear rather than over-ear, I've found I don't overheat even after prolonged use and that memory foam is definitely the ticket.

These are genuine traveling companions too, folding completely flat inside the profile of the headband, taking up very little space in my laptop bag's front pocket, or the convenient carrying pouch, with compartments for cables and the included flight adapter plug.

As someone who wears headphones for a living, I've certainly tried my fair share and the AKG N60NC's are right up there, if not the best I've worn. What's more, they fold up neatly for travel. Sure they only come in black, black or black, but this ain't no beauty contest.

They cost a pretty penny, but they'll probably last years rather than months, saving you money in the long run.

Click here for more information and pricing on the AKG N60NC wireless headphones.