A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're seeking an immersive listening experience with noise-canceling capabilities, the Sony WF1000XM4 with its closed, stemless earbud design is an excellent choice, but they come at a premium price. On the other hand, the Koss Porta Pro is significantly less expensive, offers an open on-ear experience with a microphone, and despite being older, it is praised for its sound quality and comfort. However, it lacks noise cancellation and other advanced features found in the Sony model, such as wireless freedom and Sony's 360 Reality Audio support. The choice depends on your priorities: advanced features and isolation versus classic design and value. 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
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM4
- Excellent for music
- Very good for air travel
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.2
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is excellent for music, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good.
Gaming
8.2
5.6
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is poor.
Phone Calls
6.1
6.7
The Sony WF1000XM4 and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both only fair for phone calls, though the Sony WF1000XM4 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
10.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
6.0
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM4 is very good for noise reduction, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is poor.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM4 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$60
$220
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has a price of $60 and the Sony WF1000XM4 costs $220.
Build Quality
6.0
8.9
The Sony WF1000XM4 has very good build quality, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has only fair build quality.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) and the Sony WF1000XM4 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Koss Porta Pro (with mic) | Sony WF1000XM4 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $220 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Koss | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 1984 | July 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.2/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 6.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 9 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 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
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 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 63.5 Grams | 6.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Koss Porta Pro (with mic)
See more
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 WF1000XM4
See more
Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | March 2023
"The headphones deliver a satisfying user experience, class-leading battery life, some of the best noise-cancelling we’ve heard in this category, and absolutely stunning sound quality."
Get a great deal on the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) or the Sony WF1000XM4
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Koss Porta Pro (with mic) vs. JBL Tune Flex
VS
Compare Koss Porta Pro (with mic) vs. JBL Live Free NC+
VS
Compare Koss Porta Pro (with mic) vs. Sennheiser HD 400S
VS
Compare Sony WF1000XM4 vs. JBL Live Beam 3
VS
Compare Sony WF1000XM4 vs. JBL Live Buds 3
VS
Compare Sony WF1000XM4 vs. JBL Live Flex 3
VS
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
95,000
Recommendations made
14,250
Consumer hours saved
About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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.
Featured in
