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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Consider the following while choosing: The Koss Porta Pro offers an on-ear open-back design, which is lighter and may provide a more natural sound but with less noise isolation, making them less suitable in noisy environments. In contrast, the Sony WH-CH520 are over-ear closed-back headphones that will better block out ambient noise and have a longer battery life due to their wireless design, which is convenient if you prefer not being tethered by a cable. For activities like exercise or travel, the Sony's better fit and over-ear design might be advantageous. If call quality is a priority, Sony's model also has a higher quality built-in microphone. 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
Advantages of the Sony WH-CH520
- Very good for TV and video
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.2
7.6
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for music, while the Sony WH-CH520 is good.
Gaming
8.2
8.8
The Sony WH-CH520 and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both very good for gaming, though the Sony WH-CH520 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.1
6.7
The Sony WH-CH520 and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both only fair for phone calls, though the Sony WH-CH520 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
8.0
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
8.2
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for TV and video, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
4.6
The Sony WH-CH520 and Koss Porta Pro (with mic) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Sony WH-CH520 is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
52.0 Hours
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) does not have a battery. The Sony WH-CH520 has 52 hours of battery life.
Cost
$60
$40
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has a price of $60 and the Sony WH-CH520 costs $40.
Build Quality
6.0
7.0
The Sony WH-CH520 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 Sony WH-CH520 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Koss Porta Pro (with mic) | Sony WH-CH520 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $40 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Koss | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 1984 | April 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.2/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 6.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 52 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.9 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 4.6/10 | |
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 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 10/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 63.5 Grams | 147.41 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."
Sony WH-CH520
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | September 2023
"If you’re looking for headphones that simply do what you ask them to: the Sony WH-CH520 is a decent option, even if it isn’t very exciting. Sony’s WH-CHXXX line fits this role quite well, and the WH-CH520 offers a decent raft of quality-of-life updates over its predecessor that should keep listeners happy. If the Sony WH-CH520 were a car, it’d be the boring-but-safe commuter compact."
Get a great deal on the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) or the Sony WH-CH520
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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