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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and modern features like wireless connectivity, active noise cancellation, and an accompanying app with customization, the Sony WF1000XM3 earbuds are a better choice. They are suited for a variety of uses including calls, meetings, and air travel due to their noise isolation and battery life. On the other hand, for a more budget-friendly option with a focus on music quality, the Koss Porta Pro headphones excel with their open design that offers a larger soundstage. These on-ear headphones work well for daily use but lack modern features like noise cancellation and wireless operation. Keep in mind that their open design does mean they will leak sound and not isolate noise well, making them less suitable for use in noisy environments. 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
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.2
7.5
The Koss Porta Pro is very good for music, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is good.
Gaming
6.4
5.6
The Koss Porta Pro is only fair for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
8.2
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Koss Porta Pro is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
5.7
The Koss Porta Pro is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Koss Porta Pro is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.0 Hours
The Koss Porta Pro does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$49
$180
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Koss Porta Pro has a price of $49 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
Build Quality
6.0
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM3 has excellent build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro has only fair build quality.
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How the Koss Porta Pro and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Koss Porta Pro | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Koss | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 1984 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
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 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 63.5 Grams | 9 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."
Sony WF1000XM3
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
Get a great deal on the Koss Porta Pro or the Sony WF1000XM3
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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Why trust us
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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