Name: Koss HB79
Brand: Koss

Technical Specifications of Koss HB79

Overall score

4.2

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

2.7

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

Calls & Controls

6.2

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

Connectivity

4.0

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

Features

1.9

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

Battery

8.5

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

Design

8.1

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Koss

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

on-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

Koss HB79 vs the average headphone

Why is Koss HB79 better than the average headphone?

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127.5 ms lower audio latency
Koss HB79 has a lower audio latency than the average headphone (0 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <60 ms
Koss HB79 has a lower audio latency than the average headphone (0 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.0 ms vs 127.5 ms
More flexible connectivity
Koss HB79 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.
Importance: HIGH
Koss HB79 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
On-device controls
Koss HB79 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.
Importance: MEDIUM
Koss HB79 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Koss HB79 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Koss HB79 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Foldable design
Koss HB79 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Koss HB79 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Removable battery
Koss HB79 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
What it is: Battery can be detached and replaced
When it matters: When long-term serviceability or battery replacement matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Koss HB79 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
Play while charging
Koss HB79 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
What it is: Can be used while charging
When it matters: When you need to keep listening during long work or gaming sessions.
Importance: LOW
Koss HB79 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
Foldable design
Koss HB79 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Removable battery
Koss HB79 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
Play while charging
Koss HB79 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
127.5 ms lower audio latency
Koss HB79 has a lower audio latency than the average headphone (0 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
More flexible connectivity
Koss HB79 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
On-device controls
Koss HB79 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Koss HB79 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Why is Koss HB79 worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Koss HB79 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Koss HB79 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
no tangle-free listening cable is present or specified.
No passive noise reduction
Koss HB79 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
0.7 % higher distortion
Koss HB79 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
12 Hz weaker bass extension
Koss HB79 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (30 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
Not headset-ready
Koss HB79 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
No voice assistant support
Koss HB79 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
4 years older release date
Koss HB79 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
April 2013
No passive noise reduction
Koss HB79 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Koss HB79 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
Koss HB79 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Koss HB79 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Koss HB79 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Koss HB79 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
0.7 % higher distortion
Koss HB79 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Koss HB79 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
12 Hz weaker bass extension
Koss HB79 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (30 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Koss HB79 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (30 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.30 Hz vs 18 Hz
Not headset-ready
Koss HB79 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.
Importance: MEDIUM
Koss HB79 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
30.1% lower user score
Koss HB79 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.15 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Koss HB79 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.15 vs 8.000).6.15 vs 8
14% worse value for money
Koss HB79 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.91 vs 6.736).
What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Koss HB79 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.91 vs 6.736).5.91 vs 6.74

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

3.6

67 Reviews

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Koss HB79?

Foldable design for easier storage and portability
Convenient on-device control panel for volume and power
Lightweight build (approx. 235g) for extended home use
Detachable cable option allows for wired use when needed
Wireless freedom without the pairing complexities of Bluetooth
Reliable line-of-sight connectivity for TV and home audio

What customers dislike about Koss HB79?

Subpar sound quality with muffled trebles and lack of bass out-of-the-box
Infrared technology requires a direct line of sight to the transmitter
Limited frequency response (30Hz - 15,000Hz) compared to modern rivals
No passive or active noise cancellation/reduction features
Susceptible to interference from other light sources or physical obstacles
May require an external amplifier or tone control for acceptable audio

Expert reviews

01net.com

29/04/2010

Koss HB79 - Technical specs - 01net.com

The 01net review highlights the Koss HB79 as a performant, budget-friendly wireless headphone set that provides an enjoyable, wire-free listening experience. The system functions via a small transmitter box connected to an audio source using a 3.5 mm jack, which beams music to the headset using infrared waves. Structurally, it features an open, supra-aural (on-ear) headband design...Read more

Test: A high-performance, affordable wireless headset!", "Review: Great performance and budget-friendly wireless headphones!

The 01net review details the Koss HB79, a lightweight (194 g), budget-friendly wireless headset priced at €59.00 that utilizes infrared technology for audio transmission. The main strengths (pros) of this supra-aural, open-back model include its high-quality sound output, which features an excellent and well-balanced frequency response from 20 Hz to 13.83 KHz that delivers...Read more

15/01/2010

Technical comparison: Koss HB79", "Technical review: Koss HB79

The 01net.com review comparison highlights the Koss HB79 as a highly budget-friendly, comfortable, and practical open-back headphone system priced at an accessible 59 euros. It relies on a unique infrared wireless transmitter with a 7-meter range to sync audio from a source box directly to the headset. The main advantages (pros) of the HB79 are its good sound quality, comfortable...Read more

Koss HB79 Review | 93 Data compared

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Technical Specifications of Koss HB79

Koss HB79 vs the average headphone

Why is Koss HB79 better than the average headphone?

Why is Koss HB79 worse than the average headphone?

Graphic comparison of Koss HB79 and

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Koss HB79?

What customers dislike about Koss HB79?

Expert reviews

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