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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods Pro offer active noise cancellation and wireless convenience suitable for travel, sports, and on-the-go use, with an intuitive interface for Apple device users. They are pricier but provide excellent noise isolation and a seamless experience with iOS devices. On the other hand, the Koss Porta Pro headphones deliver a retro design with a reputation for good sound quality at a much lower price point; however, they lack modern features like noise-cancellation and wireless connectivity. Choose the AirPods Pro for wireless freedom and features, or the Porta Pro for affordability and a classic wired experience. 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 Pro
Good for phone calls
Excellent 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
6.8/10
8.2/10
The Koss Porta Pro is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.1/10
6.4/10
The Koss Porta Pro is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4/10
4.3/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Koss Porta Pro is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3/10
6.8/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro is only fair.
TV and Video
5.7/10
7.6/10
The Koss Porta Pro is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
2.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Koss Porta Pro is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Koss Porta Pro does not have a battery.
Cost
$260
$49
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Koss Porta Pro costs $49.
Build Quality
9.0/10
6.0/10
The Apple Airpods Pro has excellent build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro has only fair build quality.
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
"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 Pro 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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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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.