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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for affordability, the Koss KSC75 offers good sound quality with an open design which is less common at a lower price point, but they lack modern features like wireless capability. On the other hand, the Sony WF1000XM5 earbuds are more expensive but provide features such as noise-cancellation, a more standard closed design which is better for noise isolation, and the convenience of being truly wireless with additional support for Sony's 360 Reality Audio in supported apps, enhancing the listening experience. Consider the Koss KSC75 for basic needs and the Sony WF1000XM5 for a premium wireless experience with noise cancellation. 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 Koss KSC75
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.4
5.1
The Koss KSC75 is only fair for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.5
4.9
The Koss KSC75 is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
7.7
5.4
The Koss KSC75 is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the Koss KSC75 is poor.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The Koss KSC75 does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$298
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Koss KSC75 has a price of $20 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
Build Quality
5.6
8.5
The Sony WF1000XM5 has very good build quality, while the Koss KSC75 has poor build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.3
8.0
The Koss KSC75 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both very good for music.
Phone Calls
4.8
5.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Koss KSC75 are both poor for phone calls.
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How the Koss KSC75 and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Koss KSC75 | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Koss | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2005 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.5/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 5.7/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 45.3 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Koss KSC75
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Dig into reviews and images
InEar Fidelity
Crinacle | June 2022
"Let’s not insult the KSC75 by saying that it’s simply good for the price… because it’s far more than that. It basically has a monopoly at its asking price, and could still give modern budget headphones a run for their money 15 years after its release. The KSC75 is the world’s best not-headphone."
Sony WF1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Koss KSC75 or the Sony WF1000XM5
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.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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