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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Koss Porta Pro with mic offers a classic over-ear design with a reputation for rich sound quality and comfort, plus the advantage of a microphone for calls, which is great for versatility. However, they can be bulky for on-the-go use and may not provide noise isolation. The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick likely offers a more modern, true wireless experience, with the convenience of portability and potentially better noise isolation due to in-ear placement, but may lag behind in sound richness and battery life compared to some over-ear models. Choose the Koss if you prefer sound and comfort for extended use in quiet environments, or go for the "Nothing" Ear Stick for a sleek, portable option with the ease of no cords, suitable for use in noisier settings or while being active. 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
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.2
6.1
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for music, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is only fair.
Phone Calls
6.1
8.6
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for phone calls, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
8.4
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) does not have a battery. The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$56
$65
$50
$60
$70
$80
$90
$100
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has a price of $56 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick costs $65.
Build Quality
6.0
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has excellent build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
8.2
8.1
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both very good for gaming.
TV and Video
7.6
7.5
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Koss Porta Pro (with mic) | "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$56 | $65 | ||
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 | 6.2/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 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 | 6.5/10 | 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 | In-Line | Integrated | |
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."
"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 (with mic) 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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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