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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Etymotic ER2SE provides superior overall sound quality and exceptional noise isolation, which is ideal if you prioritize audio clarity and a quieter listening environment, like during air travel or in noisy areas. However, they are less comfortable for extended use due to their in-ear design. On the other hand, the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is more comfortable and is better suited for calls due to the included microphone. The Porta Pro also offers an immersive experience for gaming and allows situational awareness due to its open design, but it has less effective noise isolation compared to the ER2SE. If budget is a concern, the Koss Porta Pro generally costs less and might provide better value for a mix of different uses. 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 Etymotic ER2SE
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Koss Porta Pro (with mic)
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Music
8.8
8.2
The Etymotic ER2SE and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both very good for music, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Gaming
6.2
8.2
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER2SE is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.9
6.1
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER2SE is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
6.8
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair.
Noise Reduction
9.1
2.5
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is poor.
Cost
$100
$60
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) costs $60.
Build Quality
9.0
6.0
The Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.8
7.6
The Etymotic ER2SE and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both good for TV and video.
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How the Etymotic ER2SE and the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER2SE | Koss Porta Pro (with mic) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Koss | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2019 | January 1, 1984 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 63.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | In-Line | |
Shopping
Etymotic ER2SE
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | April 2022
"Etymotic isn’t playing around: it takes audio seriously and has mastered the art of the noise-isolation earphone. Sure, the fit of the earbuds looks silly but it’s a signature Etymotic thing and could be considered charming by some. If you’re looking for best-in-class audio for a realistic price, the ER2SE is it."
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 Etymotic ER2SE or the Koss Porta Pro (with mic)
About Etymotic
Etymotic Research is an American based research, development and manufacturing company founded in 1983. They invented the first insert earphones that were used for the diagnosis and research of hearing loss and other auditory disorders. They went on to pioneer the market of high fidelity, isolating, in-ear earphones.
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
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
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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