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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value sound quality and an open soundstage for a more immersive music experience, the Koss Porta Pro, despite being an older model, offers better audio performance. However, they are wired, open-back headphones which means they won't be suitable for noise isolation or use in noisy environments. Conversely, the Skullcandy Dime earbuds are a more budget-friendly choice, provide a closed-back design for better isolation, and are wireless, making them more convenient for exercise and travel. The Skullcandy Dime also has a better build quality and mic performance, suitable for calls and meetings. The Porta Pro's on-ear, open design isn't ideal for exercising or listening in loud environments due to poor isolation and they are less portable compared to the Dime's small earbuds. 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 Skullcandy Dime
- Very good for air travel
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.2
5.7
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for music, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.
Gaming
8.2
4.8
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for gaming, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
5.3
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is good for TV and video, while the Skullcandy Dime is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.5
The Skullcandy Dime is only fair for noise reduction, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is poor.
Battery
N/A
3.5 Hours
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) does not have a battery. The Skullcandy Dime has 3.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$60
$27
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has a price of $60 and the Skullcandy Dime costs $27.
Build Quality
6.0
8.5
The Skullcandy Dime 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
6.2
The Skullcandy Dime and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both only fair for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
7.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Skullcandy Dime to be good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair.
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How the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and the Skullcandy Dime compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Koss Porta Pro (with mic) | Skullcandy Dime |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $27 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Koss | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 1984 | March 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.2/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 4.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 3.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 12 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
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 | 4.5 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."
Skullcandy Dime
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Magazine
Tim Gideon | April 2021
"For $25, the Skullcandy Dime True Wireless Earbuds deliver a powerful, balanced, rich, and bright sound signature. There’s really not much else to talk about, but the audio is better than you would expect for the price."
Get a great deal on the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) or the Skullcandy Dime
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 Skullcandy
Skullcandy is an American, consumer-oriented, earbuds and headphones manufacturer with 20 years of market experience. They sell a wide variety of, budget-friendly and unique, wired and wireless products that are sure to please the vast majority of users. Among their most popular offerings, the Crusher headphones, includes a pair of actual subwoofers inside the cups which makes the bass extra prominent for a unique and extra fun sound.
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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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