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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prefer truly wireless earbuds with modern features such as touch controls and Bluetooth 5.0, the Grado GT220 would be a solid choice, despite being more expensive. They offer quality sound and the convenience of wireless connectivity. However, if you are on a budget and value a classic design with a reputation for durability and excellent sound quality, the Koss Porta Pro would be a better option. These are wired headphones known for their comfort and retro style but lack the advanced features and hands-free capabilities of modern wireless earbuds. Keep in mind that the Grado earbuds may also offer a more neutral sound signature and longer battery life, but the Koss can provide a more open soundstage typical of on-ear designs, which some users prefer for an immersive listening experience. 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 Grado GT220
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Koss Porta Pro
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.3
8.2
The Koss Porta Pro is very good for music, while the Grado GT220 is only fair.
Gaming
5.1
6.4
The Koss Porta Pro is only fair for gaming, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
4.3
The Grado GT220 is only fair for phone calls, while the Koss Porta Pro is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8
6.8
The Grado GT220 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro is only fair.
TV and Video
5.5
7.6
The Koss Porta Pro is good for TV and video, while the Grado GT220 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The Grado GT220 and Koss Porta Pro are both poor for noise reduction, though the Grado GT220 is somewhat better.
Battery
5.5 Hours
N/A
The Grado GT220 has 5.5 hours of battery life. The Koss Porta Pro does not have a battery.
Cost
$259
$49
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Grado GT220 has a price of $259 and the Koss Porta Pro costs $49.
Build Quality
8.8
6.0
The Grado GT220 has very good build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro has only fair build quality.
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How the Grado GT220 and the Koss Porta Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Grado GT220 | Koss Porta Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$259 | $49 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Grado | Koss | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2020 | 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 | 7/10 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 6.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 4.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5.5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 36 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | 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 | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5 Grams | 63.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Grado GT220
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Dig into reviews and images
Major HiFi
Alex Schiffer | October 2020
"With its superb and functional interface and its highly satisfying imaging, Grado has shown a new talent for delivering a solid true wireless system, and with future improvements, has the potential to really be one of the best."
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 Grado GT220 or the Koss Porta Pro
About Grado
Grado Labs is a small, family-owned, business based in Brooklyn New York that specializes in high-end, boutique, dynamic headphones and turntable cartridges. They boast a particular house sound, that is to say their products have a particular sound signature unique to Grado, that some audiophiles seem to really like and are unable to find anywhere else. Their high-end headphones are all hand made, completely in house, from a variety of exotic woods and materials going so far as to making one of their most popular products out of hemp.
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.
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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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