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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize overall sound quality and use for gaming, the Koss Porta Pro with mic is a better choice. The Porta Pro also offers better portability due to its foldable design, and it includes a mic, which is beneficial for calls. However, its open design means it provides less noise isolation in loud environments. On the other hand, if you prefer headphones with a sturdier build, the Beats EP might suit you better, but keep in mind that they do not have a microphone, which limits their utility for calls and meetings. They are also not foldable, which affects portability. The higher price of the Beats EP reflects its build quality and brand prestige, but not necessarily a superior sound experience or functionality. 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 Beats EP
- The Beats EP has no clear advantages over the Koss Porta Pro (with mic).
Advantages of the Koss Porta Pro (with mic)
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Gaming
6.3
8.2
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for gaming, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.2
6.1
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair for phone calls, while the Beats EP is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The Beats EP and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
Cost
$100
$60
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) costs $60.
Build Quality
8.0
6.0
The Beats EP has very good build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.1
8.2
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and Beats EP are both very good for music.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
6.8
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and Beats EP are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.6
7.6
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and Beats EP are both good for TV and video.
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How the Beats EP and the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Koss Porta Pro (with mic) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Koss | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | January 1, 1984 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 63.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | In-Line | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
Koss Porta Pro (with mic)
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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 Beats EP or the Koss Porta Pro (with mic)
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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
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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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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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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