Forget Headsets, Get These Budget Alternatives Instead…

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Story Highlights
  • For $50, $35, or even as low as $25, you get extremely lightweight and durable headphones from Koss.
  • They have great sound quality, especially if you consider how cheap they are, and it is way better than other headsets in this price range. 
  • You get high adjustability, portability, and customization, and at this price, it is surely a steal.  

If you’re looking for a headset, you’ll often find yourself with tons of options where a lot of the headphones will be heavier, complex, and expensive. But what if you could get something at a fraction of the price, and that is extremely light? This is where Koss comes in. 

Koss On-Ear Headsets
Koss On-Ear Headsets (Image Credits – Hardware Canucks)

Koss’ On-Ear Headphones

Although Koss has a variety of products, including even bulkier and expensive headphones, we’re interested in their on-ear category of headphones. Unlike most headsets that go over your ears, these are designed to be on your ears instead. 

It’s A Steal

If we only take a look at the ones with a thin headband, these are extremely affordable, with the good ones costing $50, while others cost $30, and some go for as low as $25. 

At first glance, the Porta Pro feels like the Walkman comes back to life. Koss might have taken inspiration directly from the Walkman for these headphones, which is why they have a dedicated retro section on their website.  

Sony's Walkman
Sony’s Walkman (Image Credits – Sony)

Unparalleled Comfort For Its Price

The amount of comfort these provide can not be matched, even if you compare them with many of the $100 gaming headsets available on the market. With other models like the KPH40X, the band is so thin that it doesn’t even feel like you’re wearing headphones.

Most of Koss’ on-ear headphones are also extremely lightweight. For instance, the KPH40x weighs 109g, which is already far lighter than most of the gaming headphones. Even Logitech’s comfortable headset weighs over 270g. Some of Koss’ models, such as the Porta Pro, are as light as 57g, which is absurd.

Adjustability

You get similar adjustable sliding mechanics, much similar to standard headphones and models like the Porta Pro X also adjust its headband automatically and sits comfortability as you try to put it on. 

Porta Pro Adjustability
Extra Clamps For High Adjustability (Image Credits – YT/Sergio Scardigno)

They also have ear-clip headphones, which, like the name suggests, clip onto your ear while still hugging your ear. This is similar to how most of the In-ear monitors (IEMs) clip on your ear. 

Sound Quality Better Than Most Cheaper Headsets

You’d be surprised how good some of their headphones sound, especially considering their low price. Unlike other $50 headphones with muddy mids, overemphasized bass, and poor durability, Koss’ offerings are surprisingly not bad-sounding. 

Instead, you get smooth treble with just enough detail, where they’re pleasant to listen to. Moreover, they are open-back, which means you aren’t pushed into a cave. With this, you feel the sound stage, making them good at competitive games. 

Porta Pro Sound Quality
Porta Pro Sound Quality (Image Credits – RTINGS)

Even the $25 ones are decent in terms of sound quality. While they aren’t the best-sounding, they are still far superior, lighter, and better-sounding than other options at this range.  

Not The Best Microphones

The microphones on these headsets aren’t the best, but they are what you’d expect from a headset of this price point. Additionally, the microphone doesn’t stick out from the headset but is located on the wire, similar to how mics are present in earphones, which can be a huge letdown for most people. 

Big On Portability

Not only are these headsets light, but they’re also big when it comes to portability. Some models, like the Porta Pro X, can fold inwards, and there is a latch at the bottom of the earpiece, which lets you connect both ends to lock it while being folded. This is great for carrying around and putting in your bag, where it’ll take up less space. 

Portability
Porta Pro’s Portability (Image Credits – Hardware Canucks)

Variety & Customization

You also have many options for the same model. For instance, with the Porta Pro, you can get the same headset in many colors, such as gold, beige, silver, pink, or black. There’s even an option for a wireless one for the same model, but it costs more. 

Headsets such as the KPH30i even come with a clear case, which further enhances the retro vibe. You can even buy the ear cushions separately, which come in over four different colors.  

Verdict

Such sound quality in this price range is honestly a steal, especially when you start to test and compare Koss’s on-ear headsets with others in the same price range. If you’re on a budget and can bear with some of their cons, you should consider getting them. 


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