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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you are considering convenience and a wire-free experience with modern features like spatial audio, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) might be the better option, especially if you use other Apple devices due to their seamless integration. However, if you prioritize cost-effectiveness and are comfortable with a classic design with a wired connection, the Koss Porta Pro would make a great choice and is known for its reliable sound quality and durability. Keep in mind, the AirPods offer an in-ear design that might be more suitable for an active lifestyle, while the Porta Pro's on-ear design can be more comfortable for long listening sessions. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Koss Porta Pro
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
8.2
The Koss Porta Pro is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Gaming
5.4
6.4
The Koss Porta Pro is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
4.3
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Koss Porta Pro is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
6.8
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro is only fair.
TV and Video
5.5
7.6
The Koss Porta Pro is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Koss Porta Pro does not have a battery.
Cost
$179
$49
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Koss Porta Pro costs $49.
Build Quality
9.0
6.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Koss Porta Pro are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Koss Porta Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Koss Porta Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $49 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Koss | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | January 1, 1984 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 6.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 63.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Koss Porta Pro
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Headphones.com
Sebastian Taboada | February 2022
"It’s clear to see why these have been such a popular choice amongst listeners for nearly four decades. It’s a charming pair of headphones that delivers a truly enjoyable listening experience and one that I think punches well above its weight."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Koss Porta Pro
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Koss
Koss is an American headphone manufacturer established in 1953. In 1958, they created the first set of stereophones, that is headphones with stereo sound, and in 1984 they released the world-famous Porta Pro, a set of on-ear headphones that has remained essentially unchanged for more than 30 years and that is still made, sold and loved by many audio enthusiasts around the world today.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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