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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M30X are closed-back, over-ear headphones that provide better isolation and are often chosen for studio work or quiet environments. They tend to be more expensive but could offer greater sound detail and bass depth. On the other hand, the Koss Porta Pro are on-ear, open-back headphones, which often means they are more breathable, lightweight, and good for situational awareness, while typically being less expensive. However, they might fall short in isolating sound, which may not be ideal for noisy settings. Consider the ATH M30X if you prioritize sound isolation and the Porta Pro for comfort and awareness in less noisy 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 Audio Technica ATH M30X
- Good for air travel
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 M30X is good.
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Koss Porta Pro is poor.
Cost
$89
$49
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Koss Porta Pro costs $49.
Build Quality
7.2
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.6
6.4
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Koss Porta Pro are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.3
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Koss Porta Pro are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
6.8
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Koss Porta Pro are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.9
7.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Koss Porta Pro are both good for TV and video.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Koss Porta Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Koss Porta Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $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 | 7.7/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 6.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | 7.2/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 63.5 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M30X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | August 2023
"The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a great choice for anybody that needs a decent set of over-ear studio monitors. While the frequency response is not totally spot on, it works for basically every situation reasonably well. The sound quality and reasonably good comfort promote its candidacy as a great pick for $69 USD."
Koss Porta Pro
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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 M30X 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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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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