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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for headphones that are ideal for listening to music with a broad soundstage, the Koss Porta Pro would suit you, but their open design means they're not good for noisy environments as they provide minimal noise isolation. They're not wireless, which makes them less convenient for on-the-go use compared to the Soundcore Space A40, which offers great portability, a stable Bluetooth connection, and active noise cancelling to block out ambient sounds. The Soundcore earbuds are also more suitable for air travel and have features like wireless charging and app-based equalizer settings. However, their sound quality for music is slightly less immersive compared to the Koss Porta Pro. The Koss is less expensive, but if the added features of the Soundcore are vital to you, they might be worth 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 Soundcore Space A40
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.2
7.7
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for music, while the Soundcore Space A40 is good.
Gaming
8.2
4.9
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is very good for gaming, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Phone Calls
6.1
4.8
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair for phone calls, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
4.9
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
5.3
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is good for TV and video, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Soundcore Space A40 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) is poor.
Battery
N/A
8.0 Hours
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) does not have a battery. The Soundcore Space A40 has 8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$60
$80
$50
$60
$70
$80
$90
$100
The Koss Porta Pro (with mic) has a price of $60 and the Soundcore Space A40 costs $80.
Build Quality
6.0
8.5
The Soundcore Space A40 has very 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 Soundcore Space A40 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Koss Porta Pro (with mic) | Soundcore Space A40 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$60 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Koss | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 1984 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.2/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 0.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 32 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
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 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."
Soundcore Space A40
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Sound Guys
Sam Smart | May 2023
"The Anker Soundcore Space A40 is an excellent deal if you want affordable noise canceling earbuds with great sound. The baseline frequency response is enjoyable, and the many EQ presets to choose from plus the ability to customize your sound profile makes it good for pretty much anyone. The noise canceling is quite good, and the many ear tips to choose from ensure a good fit for the noise canceling and isolation to do its job."
Get a great deal on the Koss Porta Pro (with mic) or the Soundcore Space A40
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 Soundcore
Soundcore is a sub-brand belonging to Anker Innovations. Starting in 2014, initially marketing wireless, Bluetooth, speakers, Anker now offers an array of, budget-friendly, wireless earbuds and headphones that directly compete, especially in the Active Noise Canceling field, with other brands several times as expensive.
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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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