OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Koss KPH30i Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£35Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Koss KPH30i Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Koss KPH30i
6.0/10

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components

80%

5.2

Technical score

20%

8.9

User score

â–¼Worse than 65% of headphones
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 59%
5.2

Technical score

Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components

52%

5.2

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.7

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.4

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 86%
8.9

User score

User score
8.9/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

70%

8.7

User ratings

30%

9.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 90%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Koss KPH30i

Technical score
Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components:

52%

5.2

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.7

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.4

Calls & Controls

5.2
User score
User score
8.9/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

70%

8.7

User ratings

30%

9.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.9
Popularity
Popularity
9.2/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 87% of models
Popularity:
Koss KPH30i has a popularity score of 9.2 points, which is higher than that of 87% of products in this category.
9.2
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components:

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.2
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
35 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 35 mm, smaller driver size than 73.3% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
15 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 15 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 58.3% of headphones and equal to 5.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Koss
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
75 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 75 g, lighter than 79.8% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
6.7
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 6.7, higher clamp force than 93.6% of headphones and equal to 2.5% of headphones.
Show more

Koss KPH30i vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 65.6% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (75 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    75 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 3 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    15 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 10.9% higher user score
    User score
    8.9/ 10
    ✕
    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.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Koss KPH30i
    the average pair of headphones
    Koss KPH30i has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (8.87 vs 8).
    8.87 vs 8
  • 56.1% more popular
    Koss KPH30i is more popular than the average pair of headphones (9.16 vs 5.9).
    9.16 vs 5.87
  • 2.57x cheaper
    Koss KPH30i is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£35 vs £90).
    £35 vs £90
  • 65.6% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (75 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    75 g vs 218 g
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 3 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    15 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 5 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (35 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    35 mm vs 40 mm
  • 2.4 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (6.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    6.7 vs 4.3
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 1 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (101 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    101 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2.4 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (6.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    6.7 vs 4.3
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 5 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (35 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    35 mm vs 40 mm
  • 1 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (101 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    101 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Morgan is a dog I guess
≈ estimated
20/02/2023
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and microphone tests
Verdict
Koss KPH30i is a good unit for the cost, with powerful bass, though it feels a little flimsy.
9.5
Master Marslander
≈ estimated
14/10/2022
Hands-on review · build, comfort, pad mod and sound
Verdict
Koss KPH30i sounds excellent, with a wide, detailed presentation that easy pad mods improve further.
7.0
AudioBull
≈ estimated
06/01/2022
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and build tests
Verdict
Koss KPH30i is worth considering for open-back sound on a budget, but it is not an upgrade for experienced listeners.
8.0
Mango Talks Tech
≈ estimated
15/07/2021
Hands-on review · sound, mic and gaming tests
Verdict
Koss KPH30i offers great sound for the price and is a strong gaming pick, though the short cable and need for adapters are drawbacks.
7.0
NotOrdinaryInGames
≈ estimated
01/04/2021
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and build tests
Verdict
Koss KPH30i is really good value for the money, though not amazing, with a treble dip and a narrow soundstage.
8.0
Andres Salazar - Art Hub
≈ estimated
17/02/2021
Personal use review · comfort, mic and cable
Verdict
Koss KPH30i is light, comfortable and good-sounding for the price, though heat, wind noise and the long cord are drawbacks.
7.0
electro mod
≈ estimated
26/12/2020
Unboxing and review · sound and comfort tests
Verdict
Koss KPH30i works well for work calls and casual use, but it isn't special in sound and is fragile unless modified carefully.
9.5
Samma3a
≈ estimated
12/09/2019
Hands-on review · measurements, sound and daily use
Verdict
Koss KPH30i offers surprisingly good sound for the money, and the creator recommends it without hesitation for its class.
9.0
Z Reviews
≈ estimated
17/07/2019
Hands-on review · comparisons with own headphones
Verdict
Koss KPH30i sounds surprisingly good for the price and gets comfortable once it settles in.
8.0
Melkorify
≈ estimated
13/10/2018
Long-term review · months of use and sound tests
Verdict
Koss KPH30i is a warm, comfortable headphone that suits some tastes, though it does not improve overall listening quality.
10
Super* Review
✓ explicit
28/04/2018
Hands-on review · sound comparison and comfort tests
Verdict
Koss KPH30i offers open, detailed sound and light comfort and is highly recommended, though its thin cable is the main drawback.
7.0
Bax Tech
≈ estimated
05/01/2022
Short review · gaming focus and comfort impressions
Verdict
Koss KPH30i is worth a try for gaming when a mic matters, but music fans may want something else.
More graded video reviews (1)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

headfonics.com
03/04/2020
Hands-on review · Budget on-ear headphones
Verdict
The Koss KPH30i is a light, open-back on-ear headphone with clear vocals, best suited to quiet places since sound leaks out.
headphonesty.com
03/09/2021
Buyer's review · Budget on-ear headphones
Verdict
The Koss KPH30i gives open, smooth, enjoyable sound and great midrange for its price, but its all-plastic build is fragile and it does not fold.
homestudiobasics.com
21/11/2025
Video review · Budget on-ear headphones
Verdict
The Koss KPH30i is a light on-ear that sounds better than most rivals at its price, though its fit and thin pads hold it back.
S
samma3a.com
12/09/2019
Summary of the review
Koss KPH30i On-Ear Headphones Review - Samma3a Tech
english.achoreviews.com
15/08/2021
Comparison review · Budget Koss headphones
Verdict
The Koss KPH30i is a light, balanced on-ear that sounds livelier than the Porta Pro, though its all-plastic build feels cheap and fragile.
hifitrends.com
11/01/2019
Listening review · Budget on-ear headphones
Verdict
The Koss KPH30i is a fun, spacious on-ear with deep, rhythmic bass that handles dance music well, though it lacks detail and can sound grainy.
D
digitec.ch
14/11/2019
Summary of the review
Astro A50 review (direct comparison with Koss KPH30i)
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Koss KPH30i

  • Exceptional price-to-performance ratio, often punching well above its cost
  • Warm and balanced sound signature with a particularly detailed and natural midrange
  • Wide and expansive soundstage for an on-ear design
  • Extremely lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions due to the patented silicone suspension headband
  • Includes a built-in microphone and in-line remote for calls and playback control
  • Backed by Koss's limited lifetime warranty

What customers don't like about Koss KPH30i

  • Fragile plastic build quality; the headband is prone to snapping if handled roughly
  • Open-back design results in high sound leakage and zero passive noise isolation
  • The thin, non-detachable cable is perceived as a potential failure point
  • Sub-bass roll-off is noticeable, which may disappoint 'bassheads' or EDM listeners
  • Stock foam pads can feel scratchy or thin, leading many users to recommend immediate pad swaps (e.g., Yaxi or Grado pads)
  • Lacks a folding mechanism, making it less compact for travel than other models like the Porta Pro

Verdict

The Koss KPH30i is a lightweight, open-air on-ear headphone featuring a 60-ohm impedance, a frequency response of 15–25,000 Hz, and a sensitivity of 101 dB SPL. It utilizes a 35mm dynamic driver housed in a retro-inspired, all-plastic chassis with a patented silicone suspension headband for adjusted comfort. Main characteristics include a warm, balanced sound signature with punchy mid-bass and a spacious soundstage that punches well above its budget price point, further complemented by an in-line microphone and remote on its 4-foot rugged cable. Pros include its exceptional value-to-performance ratio, non-fatiguing audio suitable for long sessions, and the security of a limited lifetime warranty. However, notable cons include a fragile plastic build prone to snapping, non-replaceable cables, and a lack of sound isolation due to the open-back design.

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