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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize deep bass and a more traditional headphone experience, the Koss Porta Pro could be your choice; however, it may not be as portable or discreet as earbuds. The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick, on the other hand, offers a modern design with potentially better convenience for use on the go, and it may include features like wireless connectivity which the Porta Pro lacks. Keep in mind that for active lifestyles or if you dislike wearing headphones over your head, the Ear Stick could be more comfortable. Consider the importance of sound quality versus convenience and style for your daily activities. 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 Porta Pro
- Very good for music
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.2
6.1
The Koss Porta Pro is very good for music, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is only fair.
Gaming
6.4
8.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for gaming, while the Koss Porta Pro is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
8.6
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for phone calls, while the Koss Porta Pro is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
8.4
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro is only fair.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The Koss Porta Pro does not have a battery. The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$49
$99
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Koss Porta Pro has a price of $49 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick costs $99.
Build Quality
6.0
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has excellent build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.6
7.5
The Koss Porta Pro and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Koss Porta Pro and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Koss Porta Pro and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Koss Porta Pro | "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $99 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Koss | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 1984 | November 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.4/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 22 | |
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 | N/A | No | |
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 | 6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 63.5 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
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."
"Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
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Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | December 2022
"If the Ear (stick) fits your ears, its light weight means you can easily wear it until the unimpressive battery life totally drains. The IP54 rating of the buds lends some confidence that it’ll survive some light abuse too. Finally, for the person who only wears earbuds at their desk, the Nothing Ear (stick) with its decent microphone could offer a reasonable Zoom meeting solution."
Get a great deal on the Koss Porta Pro or the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
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
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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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