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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M20X headphones are better for an immersive music-listening experience with their higher overall sound quality and good noise isolation; however, they're less comfortable and portable than the Koss Porta Pro. The Porta Pro are on-ear with open backs, offering a more breathable fit which might be preferable for longer listening sessions, but they let more ambient noise in. If you need something for on-the-go, Porta Pro is lighter and foldable, making them easier to carry. Neither has a built-in microphone, so for calls and meetings, you'll need an external solution. Choose M20X for sound isolation and superior music immersion or Porta Pro for comfort and portability. 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 Audio Technica ATH M20X
- The Audio Technica ATH M20X has no clear advantages over the Koss Porta Pro.
Advantages of the Koss Porta Pro
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
7.6
8.2
The Koss Porta Pro is very good for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Koss Porta Pro is poor.
Build Quality
6.9
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and Koss Porta Pro both have only fair build quality, though the Audio Technica ATH M20X has somewhat better build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.2
6.4
The Koss Porta Pro and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.3
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and Koss Porta Pro are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
6.8
The Koss Porta Pro and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.6
7.6
The Koss Porta Pro and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both good for TV and video.
Cost
$49
$49
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Koss Porta Pro costs $49.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Koss Porta Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Koss Porta Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $49 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Koss | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | January 1, 1984 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 6.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 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 | 6/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 63.5 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M20X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"Audio-Technica positively defies what you can expect for around $50. Ultimately, Audio-Technica did not design the ATH-M20x to go on the subway with you. It’s for the budget-conscious, do-it-yourself producer, podcaster, or studio that needs to buy tracking cans in bulk. If you don’t need the most deluxe, comfortable headphones, maybe you’ll like the ATH-M20x for its spartan functionality. The headphones are aimed at giving you the minimum requirements without it feeling like a sacrifice."
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 Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Koss Porta Pro
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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Why trust us
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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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