The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Koss Porta Pro are budget-friendly, on-ear headphones with an open design and wired connection, offering a classic look and a good overall sound quality. If you prioritize wireless convenience, noise cancellation, and are willing to invest more, the Sony WF1000XM5 is the better choice; but if you're looking for affordability with a decent sound for at-home use, consider the Koss Porta Pro. 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
Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.4/10
5.1/10
The Koss Porta Pro is only fair for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3/10
5.0/10
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Koss Porta Pro are both poor for phone calls, though the Sony WF1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8/10
4.9/10
The Koss Porta Pro is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
7.6/10
5.4/10
The Koss Porta Pro is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
8.7/10
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the Koss Porta Pro is poor.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The Koss Porta Pro does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$49
$298
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Koss Porta Pro has a price of $49 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
Build Quality
6.0/10
8.5/10
The Sony WF1000XM5 has very good build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro has only fair build quality.
"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."
"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 Porta Pro 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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
127,100
Recommendations made
19,065
Consumer hours saved
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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.
Luis Torres
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.