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Koss Porta Pro Ktc Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£45
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Koss Porta Pro Ktc review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.2

Good

4.4

Poor

8.5

Excellent

3.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
3.3
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
8.9
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
10
Ambient sound mode
5.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
4.7
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
8.9
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#394 in Best Wired Headphones
#961 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Koss Porta Pro KTC is a lightweight, semi-open on-ear headphone featuring 60-ohm dynamic drivers that deliver a wide frequency response of 15–25,000 Hz and a sensitivity of 101 dB SPL. It distinguishes itself from the classic model with the Koss Touch Control (KTC) in-line remote and microphone optimized for iOS devices, alongside a straight 3.5mm plug designed to fit recessed jacks. Main characteristics include the iconic 1984 retro collapsible design, multi-pivoting earplates, and the unique 'Comfort Zone' temporal pads that allow users to adjust pressure between the ears and temples. The primary pros are its warm, bass-rich sound signature, exceptional portability for travel, and long-term wearing comfort. However, notable cons include a lack of noise isolation due to the open-back design, significant sound leakage at higher volumes, and a thin headband that can frequently snag or pull hair.

Technical Specifications of Koss Porta Pro Ktc

Overall score

5.2

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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

3.0

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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

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Calls & Controls

7.6

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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

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

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

?

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Connectivity

6.2

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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

N/A

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

N/A

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Features

5.7

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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

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

N/A

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

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Battery

1.0

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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

N/A

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

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Design

8.4

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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

open-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

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Koss Porta Pro Ktc vs the average headphone

Why is Koss Porta Pro Ktc better than the average headphone?

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4 mm larger driver size
Koss Porta Pro Ktc uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (44 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
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
Koss Porta Pro Ktc uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (44 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.44 mm vs 40 mm
69.3% lower weight
Koss Porta Pro Ktc is lighter than the average headphone (67 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
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
Koss Porta Pro Ktc is lighter than the average headphone (67 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.67 g vs 218 g
Clear call microphone
Koss Porta Pro Ktc offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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
Koss Porta Pro Ktc offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Koss Porta Pro Ktc includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Koss Porta Pro Ktc includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Koss Porta Pro Ktc 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 Porta Pro Ktc includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
2.4 lower clamp force
Koss Porta Pro Ktc has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (1.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
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 Porta Pro Ktc has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (1.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.1.9 vs 4.3
Foldable design
Koss Porta Pro Ktc 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 Porta Pro Ktc has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Sidetone support
Koss Porta Pro Ktc supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.
Importance: LOW
Koss Porta Pro Ktc supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
69.3% lower weight
Koss Porta Pro Ktc is lighter than the average headphone (67 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
2.4 lower clamp force
Koss Porta Pro Ktc has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (1.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
Foldable design
Koss Porta Pro Ktc has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Open-back design
Koss Porta Pro Ktc uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
4 mm larger driver size
Koss Porta Pro Ktc uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (44 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
5,000 Hz higher treble extension
Koss Porta Pro Ktc has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
3 Hz lower bass extension
Koss Porta Pro Ktc has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Koss Porta Pro Ktc includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Clear call microphone
Koss Porta Pro Ktc offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
In-line controls
Koss Porta Pro Ktc includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Sidetone support
Koss Porta Pro Ktc supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
Boom microphone included
Koss Porta Pro Ktc includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Koss Porta Pro Ktc worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Koss Porta Pro Ktc has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Koss Porta Pro Ktc uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No passive noise reduction
Koss Porta Pro Ktc does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
5 years older release date
Koss Porta Pro Ktc was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
February 2012
No passive noise reduction
Koss Porta Pro Ktc 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 Porta Pro Ktc does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
Fixed cable
Koss Porta Pro Ktc 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 Porta Pro Ktc has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Koss Porta Pro Ktc uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Koss Porta Pro Ktc uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
5 years older release date
Koss Porta Pro Ktc was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
February 2012
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Koss Porta Pro Ktc was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of Koss Porta Pro Ktc and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Koss Porta Pro Ktc?

Retains the legendary warm, balanced sound and punchy bass of the original Porta Pro
Koss Touch Control (KTC) adds convenient inline remote and microphone for iPhone/iPad users
Extremely lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
Highly portable, collapsible design includes a carrying pouch
Adjustable 'ComfortZone' settings allow users to customize the temporal pressure
Excellent value for money, often outperforming much more expensive budget headphones
Replaceable foam ear pads are widely available and affordable

What customers dislike about Koss Porta Pro Ktc?

KTC remote and microphone features have limited or no compatibility with non-Apple devices
Flimsy, mostly-plastic build quality can feel cheap and fragile
Open-back design results in significant sound leakage and zero noise isolation
Retro styling is polarizing and can look dated to some users
The metal headband mechanism is known to frequently catch and pull hair
Buttons on the inline remote can feel similar, making them difficult to distinguish by touch
Included soft carrying pouch provides minimal physical protection

Expert reviews

rtings.com

31/08/2018

Koss Porta Pro KTC Headphones Review CNET

The Koss Porta Pro KTCGo are lightweight, open-back on-ear headphones featuring a collapsible design and an iOS-compatible,,in-line mic, delivering a well-balanced sound with punchy bass and clear vocals. While highly portable and breathable, their open construction results in no noise isolation, significant leakage, and a flimsy, hair-snagging build quality. RTINGS.comThese...Read more

cnet.com

08/11/2012

Koss Porta Pro KTC review - CNET

The Koss Porta Pro KTC headphones are a highly utilitarian, lightweight (67g) on-ear pair designed for street wear that prioritises performance over aesthetics. For a retail price under AU$130, they deliver excellent value, an open-back design that prevents ear fatigue, and a Koss lifetime warranty. Musically, they excel by offering a beautifully clean, well-balanced sound profile...Read more

stereo.de

01/10/2012

Koss Porta Pro KTC - Test Results - stereo.de", "Koss Porta Pro KTC - Review Results - stereo.de

The STEREO review of the Koss Porta Pro KTC highlights the iconic, retro-styled on-ear headphones for their exceptional price-to-performance ratio and energetic, warm sound, particularly praising the added inline remote for Apple devices and comfortable, ultra-lightweight design. However, the analysis notes significant downsides, including a lack of noise isolation due to the...Read more

forum.lesnumeriques.com

22/04/2014

Comprehensive Review: Koss Porta Pro KCT Headphones

The review forum thread on Les Numériques discusses the Koss Porta Pro KTC (referred to in the title as KCT), an updated version of a highly successful, 30-year-old audio classic. The primary pros highlighted by users are its exceptional audio performance relative to its affordable price point and its fun, dynamic, and clear sound signature. Listeners praise the overall quality,...Read more

on-mag.fr

17/01/2011

Koss PortaPro Review: The Eternal and Timeless Stereophone (Featuring KTC Variant Features)

This review by ON-mag.fr highlights the Koss PortaPro as an enduring, timeless classic in the portable headphone market, retaining its position as an essential benchmark for its price range after 26 years of career. Sonically, the reviewer commends the headphones for delivering a highly musical, coherent, and homogeneous sound across all genres. The key strengths lie in its punchy,...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

22/04/2014

Review: Koss Porta Pro KTC, the prehistoric headphones with Apple remote

The Koss Porta Pro KTC is an updated, smartphone-friendly version of a classic, 30-year-old open-back on-ear headphone design. Despite receiving a low overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars from the editors, it is praised for its compact, lightweight 67g build, exceptional robustness, and an incredibly lively, "groovy" sound profile featuring an ultra-generous bass response. The updated...Read more

auriculares-hifi.com

19/09/2020

Hi-Fi Headphones

The Acho Reviews forum review evaluating the Koss PortaPro on-ear headphones and their performance alongside the popular Yaxi aftermarket foam ear pads outlines a highly positive assessment of the combination. Structurally, the reviewer notes a few distinct pros regarding the stock headphones, celebrating their extreme comfort over hours of continuous usage, a unique collapsible...Read more

stereo-head.it

18/06/2013

Koss Porta Pro Headphones Review

The Stereo-Head review outlines the performance and design of the legendary Koss Porta Pro, an open-back, on-ear portable headphone that has retained its original 1984 design. Priced at a budget-friendly €30, the headphones deliver a strong price-to-performance ratio, scoring an overall rating of 8.5/10. A key highlight from the review is their extreme comfort and lightweight feel;...Read more

cuffie.eu

01/02/2025

THE WORST HEADPHONES!! FOR SOUND LINEARITY AND NEUTRALITY

The analysis on Cuffie.eu identifies the poorest performing wired, open-back, and closed-back headphones based on technical, objective measurements of frequency response and harmonic distortion. This scientific approach highlights headphones with severely compromised, muddy audio signatures and poor tonal balance to help users avoid bad purchases. A significant drawback of these...Read more

rtings.com

31/08/2018

Koss Porta Pro KTC Headphones Review - RTINGS.com

The Koss Porta Pro KTC are lightweight, open-back on-ear headphones featuring a well-balanced sound profile with rich bass, clear vocals, and excellent, low-latency performance suitable for casual listening. The KTC variant offers the added benefit of a functional inline remote, contributing to a portable, wired design. RTINGS.com Conversely, the review highlights a flimsy,...Read more

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