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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Focal Elex offers superior overall sound quality, a more expansive soundstage, and better build quality than the Koss Porta Pro; however, they are significantly more expensive and have an open-back design that leaks sound, making them less suitable for noisy environments or usage near others. The Porta Pro, while more affordable, also scores highly for its music playback capabilities, and includes a built-in microphone, making it versatile for calls and meetings. Additionally, the Porta Pro's lightweight and foldable design enhances portability and convenience for on-the-go use, whereas the Elex's bulk and weight make it less ideal for travel. 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 Focal Elex
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Koss Porta Pro (with mic)
- Very good for music
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Gaming
6.9
8.2
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for gaming, while the Focal Elex is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
6.1
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair for phone calls, while the Focal Elex is poor.
TV and Video
8.3
7.6
The Focal Elex is very good for TV and video, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is good.
Cost
$749
$60
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Focal Elex has a price of $749 and the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) costs $60.
Build Quality
9.0
6.0
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.7
8.2
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Koss Porta Pro (with mic) to be very good for music, while the Focal Elex is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.1
6.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Focal Elex to be good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Focal Elex and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Focal Elex and the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Elex | Koss Porta Pro (with mic) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | Koss | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2017 | January 1, 1984 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.9/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.4/10 | 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 | 2.5/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 450 Grams | 63.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | In-Line | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Focal Elex
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Dig into reviews and images
Golden Sound
Golden Sound | October 2021
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."
Koss Porta Pro (with mic)
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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 Focal Elex or the Koss Porta Pro (with mic)
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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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