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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a microphone for calls, the Koss Porta Pro with a mic would be a practical choice. However, if you value the latest technology like true wireless design, the Sony Linkbuds may be more appealing despite the higher cost. Consider the Koss Porta Pro if you prefer a reliable and time-tested design with good sound quality at a lower price point. On the other hand, if wireless convenience and a more modern form factor are priorities, and you're willing to invest more, the Sony Linkbuds could be a better fit. Keep in mind that the Sony Linkbuds may offer a more seamless experience with mobile devices, given their true wireless nature, which could be significant for active lifestyles or when avoiding cable tangling is essential. 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 Sony Linkbuds
- Good for exercise
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.2
6.6
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for music, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Gaming
8.2
5.5
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for gaming, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Phone Calls
6.1
6.8
The Sony Linkbuds and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both only fair for phone calls, though the Sony Linkbuds is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
7.8
The Sony Linkbuds is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
5.4
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is good for TV and video, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.5 Hours
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) does not have a battery. The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$60
$178
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has a price of $60 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $178.
Build Quality
6.0
9.3
The Sony Linkbuds has excellent build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and Sony Linkbuds are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Koss Porta Pro (with mic) | Sony Linkbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $178 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Koss | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 1984 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.2/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 17.5 | |
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 | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
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."
Sony Linkbuds
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Sam Moore | February 2022
"The Sony LinkBuds is definitely the most unique audio product to release so far in 2022, and it largely executes well on it's unoccluded design. However, it's hamstrung by all the same things as other unsealed earbuds."
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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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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
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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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