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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is a more budget-friendly option compared to the usually somewhat more expensive Skullcandy Hesh ANC. The Porta Pro has an open design which allows for a more natural sound but offers less noise isolation, which might not be ideal for noisy environments. In contrast, the Skullcandy Hesh ANC provides active noise cancellation, making it suitable for travel and noisy conditions, and has a longer battery life, important for wireless use. If you prioritize portability and are okay with using a wired connection, the Porta Pro is a good choice, while those seeking wireless connectivity with noise cancellation for more immersive experiences might prefer the Skullcandy Hesh ANC despite the higher price. 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 Hesh ANC
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.2
6.7
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for music, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is only fair.
Gaming
8.2
5.6
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for gaming, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Phone Calls
6.1
5.3
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair for phone calls, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
6.0
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and Skullcandy Hesh ANC are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.6
5.8
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is good for TV and video, while the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.7
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC is very good for noise reduction, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is poor.
Battery
N/A
23.0 Hours
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) does not have a battery. The Skullcandy Hesh ANC has 23 hours of battery life.
Cost
$60
$135
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has a price of $60 and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC costs $135.
Build Quality
6.0
7.0
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC has good build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has only fair build quality.
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How the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and the Skullcandy Hesh ANC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Koss Porta Pro (with mic) | Skullcandy Hesh ANC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $135 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Koss | Skullcandy | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 1984 | December 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.2/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 23 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.6 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 7.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 63.5 Grams | 226.7 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."
Skullcandy Hesh ANC
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Maike Paeßens | 2021
"Skullcandy’s Hesh ANC are compact, wireless over-ears for everyday use that are tuned for bass and designed to suppress or amplify ambient noise as required. In addition to Bluetooth 5.0, optional tracking via the Tile app is supported so that these headphones can be found if they get lost."
Get a great deal on the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) or the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
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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