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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Google Pixel Buds A Series are true wireless earbuds with a sleek, compact design, suitable for people seeking wireless convenience, portability, and a hands-free "Hey Google" voice-activated assistant. They may offer better integration with Android devices and come with a charging case for extended battery life on the go, but they tend to be pricier. In contrast, the Koss Porta Pro headphones, known for their retro design and open-back sound quality, may deliver a richer audio experience with more natural soundstage. They are more affordable and could be preferable if you prioritize sound fidelity and don't mind a wired connection. Keep in mind though, they may not be as discreet or gym-friendly as the Google Pixel Buds, and they lack the advanced features like on-the-go charging and voice assistant support. 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 Google Pixel Buds A Series
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for exercise
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Koss Porta Pro
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
6.4
8.2
The Koss Porta Pro is very good for music, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is only fair.
Gaming
8.6
6.4
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for gaming, while the Koss Porta Pro is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.5
4.3
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for phone calls, while the Koss Porta Pro is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
6.8
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro is only fair.
Noise Reduction
4.6
2.5
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and Koss Porta Pro are both poor for noise reduction, though the Google Pixel Buds A Series is somewhat better.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has 5 hours of battery life. The Koss Porta Pro does not have a battery.
Cost
$58
$49
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has a price of $58 and the Koss Porta Pro costs $49.
Build Quality
7.4
6.0
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has good build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.8
7.6
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and Koss Porta Pro are both good for TV and video.
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How the Google Pixel Buds A Series and the Koss Porta Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel Buds A Series | Koss Porta Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$58 | $49 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Koss | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2021 | January 1, 1984 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.4/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.5/10 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.7/10 | 6.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.4/10 | 4.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.3 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 | 8.5/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.4/10 | 6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.2/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.1 Grams | 63.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Google Pixel Buds A Series
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"For the person who doesn’t want to think about their earphones while using them, Google has created the Pixel Buds A-Series. For a reasonable price, Google packs in a bevy of features like touch controls and a good fit into this Android-friendly set of earbuds to make productivity and life easier."
Koss Porta Pro
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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 Google Pixel Buds A Series or the Koss Porta Pro
About Google
Mainly known as the most popular search engine on the planet, Google is a multinational technology company that also offers a variety of audio-oriented products. Beside their smart speakers under the Nest product line, Google offers several models of true wireless earbuds under the Pixel line, some of which happen to be an affordable but very powerful option for those already in the Android ecosystem.
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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