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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're focused on wireless convenience for workouts or on-the-go listening, the Beats Powerbeats Pro, being true wireless earbuds, are an excellent choice due to their secure fit and water resistance, though they are higher in price. On the other hand, if you prioritize a classic design, open-back configuration for natural sound, and a more affordable price, the Koss Porta Pro headphones offer great value and impressive audio quality, but they are wired and lack some of the modern features that the Powerbeats Pro offer, such as in-ear detection and hands-free voice control. Keep in mind the Porta Pro's open-back design also means sound can leak, which might not be ideal for 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 Beats Powerbeats Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Koss Porta Pro
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.5
8.2
The Koss Porta Pro is very good for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.5
6.4
The Koss Porta Pro is only fair for gaming, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.0
4.3
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the Koss Porta Pro is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.2
6.8
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro is only fair.
TV and Video
5.7
7.6
The Koss Porta Pro is good for TV and video, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6
2.5
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Koss Porta Pro are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats Powerbeats Pro is somewhat better.
Battery
10.0 Hours
N/A
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life. The Koss Porta Pro does not have a battery.
Cost
$124
$49
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has a price of $124 and the Koss Porta Pro costs $49.
Build Quality
8.8
6.0
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has very good build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro has only fair build quality.
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How the Beats Powerbeats Pro and the Koss Porta Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro | Koss Porta Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$124 | $49 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Koss | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2019 | January 1, 1984 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.5/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 6.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 4.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 4.6/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.8/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 11 Grams | 63.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Beats Powerbeats Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | November 2022
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
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 Beats Powerbeats Pro or the Koss Porta Pro
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
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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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.
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