In a world of AirPods, wireless headphones and HiFi, we usually turn our noses up at cheap wired headphones. But the Koss Porta Pro proves that we shouldn’t do that. And that for € 30!
cheap headphones
At first glance, the Koss Portra Pro fits right into the ‘cheap headphones’ category. A plastic case and a simple metal headband? check. Ear cushions with a thin foam layer? Double check. An old-fashioned cable with an angled 3.5 mm connection? Triple check.
The design is striking to say the least in 2022 – it seems to come straight from the eighties. In fact, this is not just appearance: the Porta Pro is originally from 1984 and the design has remained virtually unchanged. You just have to lie: subtle is different. Bee iPhoned we are fans anyway.
Practically retro
If you pick up the Porta Pro, you will immediately notice how light it is. And that’s an advantage, because the lighter a headset, the longer you can wear it without it becoming uncomfortable. The ear cushions tilt slightly so they always sit snugly against your ear, and the ‘comfortZone’ switch adjusts how stiff the headphones are against your head. Also nice: there is a small space for the stems of your glasses, so that they are not pressed against your head. You can easily wear the Porta Pro for hours without noticing.
Adjusting the headband is a bit inconvenient: as soon as you take it off, it automatically returns to the smallest position. This is mainly so that you can easily fold it up for transport, but it means you always have to set it up when you put it on – even if it only takes a few seconds.
Headphones Koss Porta Pro: spacious, deep, cheap
An old-fashioned cable hangs from the Koss – optionally with a remote control. At the end you will find a 3.5mm mini-jack connection, although there is also a variant with a Lightning or USB-C connection (Porta Pro Utility). We test the model with the ‘normal’ mini-jack, in combination with Apple’s Lightning-to-mini-jack adapter to connect it to the iPhone. This is usually the cheapest option.
The sound is good. Very good. Amazingly good, when you consider that the Porta Pro costs just €30. All costs that have been saved on the design seem to have been put into the speakers. The result is a full, clear and spacious sound, with a very deep bass and a treble that does not overwhelm.
The Porta Pro is sort of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, in a positive sense, and it’s a lot more fun to listen to than your average wireless headphones or earphones – including Apple’s AirPods. Please note that songs with very deep bass sounds, such as electronic music or modern pop, can sometimes become a bit overwhelming. More subtle music adorns the Porta Pro more.
open speakers
The spacious and clear sound matches the design of the speakers, which are so-called ‘open back’. Because they are open at the back, the speakers have more room to move air. This also means that you continue to hear your surroundings well when you have the Porta Pro on, and that the people in your environment can (softly) hear your music. This makes it suitable for home and outdoor use, but less suitable for the library or on the train.
If you are looking for cheap headphones that allow you to get more out of your music, the Porta Pro is an insanely good deal. As with more expensive Hi-Fi headphones, you’ll hear more detail in your music, especially when you combine it with Apple Music’s high-quality lossless audio. And it also looks super hip – because let’s face it, the 80’s are back.
Do you want to stay informed about the latest accessories for your iPhone? Sign up for our newsletter:
-
Forget AirPods: These $30 Retro Cheap Headphones Sound Better
-
Buying guide: these are the best wireless earphones of 2022
-
Buying advice: these are the best smartwatches of 2022
-
Apple Music vs Spotify (or YouTube Music anyway): this is the best music service for iOS
-
Overview: the three best iPhones under 500 euros in 2022