The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for studio-quality sound and are willing to invest more, consider the Audio Technica M50x as they are known for their clear, detailed audio and robust build. However, if you need a microphone for calls and prefer a lighter, more portable option at a lower price, the Koss Porta Pro with mic would be a suitable choice. The Porta Pro is also known for its retro design and comfort but keep in mind they may not provide the same level of sound isolation and detailed audio experience as the M50x. 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 M50x
Good for air travel
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Koss Porta Pro (with mic)
Very good for gaming
Key differences
Gaming
6.3/10
8.2/10
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica M50x is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.4/10
6.1/10
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3/10
2.5/10
The Audio Technica M50x and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Cost
$149
$60
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) costs $60.
Build Quality
8.5/10
6.0/10
The Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has only fair build quality.
The Audio Technica M50x and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both very good for music.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0/10
6.8/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audio Technica M50x to be good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair.
TV and Video
7.8/10
7.6/10
The Audio Technica M50x and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both good for TV and video.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) compare to other earbuds and headphones
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
"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 M50x or the Koss Porta Pro (with mic)
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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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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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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