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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize immersive music listening and a wider soundstage, the Koss Porta Pro would be the better choice, but they have an open design that leaks sound and offers less noise isolation. They are on-ear headphones that fold for better portability but are not ideal for exercise or noisy environments. In contrast, the Sony MDREX15AP earbuds are more budget-friendly, offer good noise isolation, and are closed-back, making them more suitable for quiet listening and use in more settings. However, these earbuds have poorer overall sound quality and may not be as durable. The Koss Porta Pro also includes a microphone, which may be a deciding factor if you need to take calls. 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 gaming
Advantages of the Sony MDREX15AP
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
8.2
6.7
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for gaming, while the Sony MDREX15AP is only fair.
Phone Calls
6.1
3.5
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair for phone calls, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
5.4
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
7.0
The Sony MDREX15AP is good for noise reduction, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is poor.
Cost
$60
$20
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has a price of $60 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
Build Quality
6.0
8.0
The Sony MDREX15AP has very good build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.2
8.3
The Sony MDREX15AP and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both very good for music.
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How the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Koss Porta Pro (with mic) | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Koss | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 1984 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.2/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 4.6/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 63.5 Grams | 3.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | N/A | |
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 MDREX15AP
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Dig into reviews and images
Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Get a great deal on the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) or the Sony MDREX15AP
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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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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Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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