The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize excellent music quality and don't mind an on-ear, open-back design that doesn't isolate noise well, the Koss Porta Pro might suit you; they're great for music and TV but less so for calls and noisy environments. On the other hand, if you're on a budget and prefer earbuds with a closed design for better noise isolation, the KZ ZSN Pro X could be a better choice. They offer a good balance of sound quality for music and videos, but may not be ideal for exercise or high-movement activities due to their stemless design. Keep in mind, the Porta Pro is more suited for home use while the ZSN Pro X offers more portability. 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 (with mic)
Very good for music
Very good for gaming
Advantages of the KZ ZSN Pro X
Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.2/10
7.0/10
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for music, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is good.
Gaming
8.2/10
5.9/10
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for gaming, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Phone Calls
6.1/10
3.1/10
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair for phone calls, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8/10
4.7/10
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
6.0/10
The KZ ZSN Pro X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is poor.
Cost
$60
$24
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has a price of $60 and the KZ ZSN Pro X costs $24.
Build Quality
6.0/10
8.5/10
The KZ ZSN Pro X has very good build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) 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 KZ ZSN PRO X offers superb sound for very little money, like under $30 USD. It has some rough edges with a plastic seam on the cable that can rub on your ear, and the bud is a bit large. The tech isn't cutting edge, but new doesn't always equal better. You should try it."
Get a great deal on the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) or the KZ ZSN Pro X
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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