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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for a convenient, easy-to-carry option, Apple Earpods are less expensive and can easily fit in your pocket, making them suitable for on-the-go listening and use with Apple devices. However, for a more immersive listening experience and better overall sound quality, the Koss Porta Pro headphones may be worth the extra cost. They offer a more comfortable fit for prolonged use and better bass response, which is great for music lovers. The Koss Porta Pro headphones are also more durable due to their design but are less portable than Earpods due to their larger size. If you frequently make phone calls or need to use a microphone, the Apple Earpods come equipped with a built-in mic, while the Koss Porta Pro does not have this feature. Consider how you prioritize cost, sound quality, portability, and the need for a microphone when making your decision. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Koss Porta Pro
- Very good for music
Key differences
Gaming
8.3
6.4
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Koss Porta Pro is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.0
4.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Koss Porta Pro is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
6.8
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro is only fair.
Cost
$20
$49
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Koss Porta Pro costs $49.
Build Quality
7.6
6.0
The Apple Earpods has good build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
8.2
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Koss Porta Pro to be very good for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
7.4
7.6
The Koss Porta Pro and Apple Earpods are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Earpods and Koss Porta Pro are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Koss Porta Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Koss Porta Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $49 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Koss | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | January 1, 1984 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 6.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 63.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
Koss Porta Pro
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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 Earpods 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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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.
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