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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for cost-effectiveness and don't mind a more basic design with potentially less durability, the Koss KSC75 offers good sound quality at a much lower price. However, if noise cancellation is important to you, especially in noisy environments, and you want premium features like Bluetooth connectivity, touch controls, and a long battery life, the Sony WH-1000XM5 would be a better choice, despite the higher price. The Sony model also has a built-in microphone for calls, which the Koss lacks, and offers a more immersive sound experience suitable for a variety of audio content. The Sony headphones may not be as convenient for physical activities due to their size compared to the lightweight Koss clip-ons. 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 WH-1000XM5
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.4
5.6
The Koss KSC75 is only fair for gaming, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.8
5.5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Koss KSC75 are both poor for phone calls, though the Sony WH-1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.5
6.0
The Koss KSC75 is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair.
TV and Video
7.7
5.8
The Koss KSC75 is good for TV and video, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Koss KSC75 is poor.
Battery
N/A
40.3 Hours
The Koss KSC75 does not have a battery. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$398
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Koss KSC75 has a price of $20 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
Build Quality
5.6
8.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has very good build quality, while the Koss KSC75 has poor build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.3
8.2
The Koss KSC75 and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both very good for music.
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How the Koss KSC75 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Koss KSC75 | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Koss | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2005 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 5.7/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 45.3 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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 WH-1000XM5
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Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Get a great deal on the Koss KSC75 or the Sony WH-1000XM5
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
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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