The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize cost savings and a more discrete in-ear design for casual listening and making calls, the Apple EarPods are a suitable choice. However, if you prefer better sound quality, comfort for extended wear, and the option to use a microphone for clear conversations, investing more in the Koss Porta Pro with a mic may be worthwhile. The Porta Pro's open-air design can offer a broader soundstage and richer audio performance, ideal for music enthusiasts, but they are bulkier and may leak sound, which could be a concern in quiet environments. 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
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Koss Porta Pro (with mic)
Very good for music
Key differences
Phone Calls
8.0/10
6.1/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4/10
6.8/10
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair.
Cost
$20
$60
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) costs $60.
Build Quality
7.6/10
6.0/10
The Apple Earpods has good build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has only fair build quality.
"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."
"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 (with mic)
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.