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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize wireless connectivity and microphone quality for calls, the Marshall Major IV may be better as they offer wireless functionality and a higher mic quality. The Koss Porta Pro (with mic), while less expensive, has a higher score for sound quality and gaming but lacks wireless capability and active noise cancelling featured in the Marshall Major IV. Additionally, the Koss has an open enclosure type leading to less noise isolation, whereas the closed design of the Marshall provides better isolation. If portability and noise isolation are important, the Marshall could be more suitable. However, for those looking for a more immersive music experience and using them primarily for gaming, the Koss Porta Pro might be more suitable. 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
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Marshall Major IV
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.2
6.6
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Gaming
8.2
5.4
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for gaming, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
6.1
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and Marshall Major IV are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.6
5.7
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is good for TV and video, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.6
The Marshall Major IV and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
80.0 Hours
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) does not have a battery. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Cost
$60
$100
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has a price of $60 and the Marshall Major IV costs $100.
Build Quality
6.0
8.5
The Marshall Major IV has very good build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
6.1
5.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Koss Porta Pro (with mic) to be only fair for phone calls, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
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How the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and the Marshall Major IV compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Koss Porta Pro (with mic) | Marshall Major IV |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Koss | Marshall | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 1984 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.2/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 80 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 9/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 63.5 Grams | 165 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Koss Porta Pro (with mic)
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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."
Marshall Major IV
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Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"The Marshall Major IV shares quite a bit in common with its predecessor, but a key upgrade appears to be softer ear cushions. They make upgrading worth it. As a set of basic wired or wireless headphones the Major IV ticks most boxes by remaining easy to use, and fairly comfortable (at least, as on-ear headphones go)."
Get a great deal on the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) or the Marshall Major IV
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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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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