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Koss QZ5 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£35
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Koss QZ5 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.3

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

4.5

Technical Score

20.0%

8.7

User score

Good
4.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

3.9

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

6.1

Battery

4.0%

4.2

Calls & Controls

Poor
8.7

User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.5

User reviews

30.0%

9.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(297)
amazon
4.2
(216)
amazon
4.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(297)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(216)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 2.1
    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%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 0.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    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

  • 2.5
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    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

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Koss QZ5 is a wired, full-size headphone designed for high-isolation environments like racing events and metal detecting, featuring passive noise reduction through closed Pneumalite™ ear cushions and a secure behind-the-head strap. Technical specifications include neodymium magnet structures, a frequency response of 40–20,000 Hz, an impedance of 60 ohms, and a sensitivity of 102 dB SPL. Its main pros include an 8-foot coiled single-entry cord for movement, an on-ear cup volume control, a stereo/mono switch for versatile audio output, and the Koss Limited Lifetime Warranty. However, notable cons include its relatively heavy weight of 425g, a lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), and a low-frequency response that starts at 40 Hz, which may lack the deep bass punch found in modern audiophile alternatives.

Technical Specifications of Koss QZ5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

3.9

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

6.1

Battery

4.0%

4.2

Calls & Controls

4.5
Koss QZ5 has a technical score of 4.49 points, which is lower than that of 73% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.5

User reviews

30.0%

9.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(297)
amazon
4.2
(216)
amazon
4.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(297)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(216)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.7
Koss QZ5 has a user score of 8.7 points, which is higher than that of 76.5% of products in this category.
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.
9.1
Koss QZ5 has a popularity of 9.1 points, which is higher than 69.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.3

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.7
Koss QZ5 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is higher than 45.2% of products in this category.
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

no
Koss QZ5 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

40 mm
Koss QZ5 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
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

1
Koss QZ5 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
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

40 Hz
Koss QZ5 reaches a lowest frequency of 40 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 99.2% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Show more
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

no
Koss QZ5 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Koss QZ5 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

0
Koss QZ5 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
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

no
Koss QZ5 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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
Show more
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

wired
Koss QZ5 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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
Show more
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

no
Koss QZ5 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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

no
Koss QZ5 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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
Show more
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

over-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

425 g
Koss QZ5 weighs 425 g, heavier than 96% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
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

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Koss QZ5 vs the average headphone

  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Koss QZ5 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 QZ5 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • On-device controls
    Koss QZ5 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 QZ5 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 1.2 m more useful cable length
    Koss QZ5 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.4 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
    When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.

    Importance: LOW

    Koss QZ5 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.4 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.2.4 m vs 1.2 m
  • Removable battery
    Koss QZ5 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 QZ5 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • 2.57x cheaper
    Koss QZ5 is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).
    Koss QZ5 is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).£35 vs £90
  • 1.2 m more useful cable length
    Koss QZ5 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.4 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • Removable battery
    Koss QZ5 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Koss QZ5 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • On-device controls
    Koss QZ5 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.

Total
Overall
Design
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • 95% higher weight
    Koss QZ5 is heavier than the average headphone (425 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Fixed cable
    Koss QZ5 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Koss QZ5 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    Koss QZ5 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 22 Hz weaker bass extension
    Koss QZ5 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (40 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 8 dB lower max SPL
    Koss QZ5 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (102 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Koss QZ5 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Koss QZ5 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 17 years older release date
    Koss QZ5 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,000 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
  • 95% higher weight
    Koss QZ5 is heavier than the average headphone (425 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 QZ5 is heavier than the average headphone (425 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.425 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    Koss QZ5 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 QZ5 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Koss QZ5 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 QZ5 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 22 Hz weaker bass extension
    Koss QZ5 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (40 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 QZ5 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (40 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.40 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Koss QZ5 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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

    Koss QZ5 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Koss QZ5 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 QZ5 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    Koss QZ5 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
    What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
    When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.

    Importance: LOW

    Koss QZ5 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 17 years older release date
    Koss QZ5 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,000 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    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 QZ5 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,000 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2000 vs 2017
Total
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Koss QZ5 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
297 Reviews
amazon
4.2
216 Reviews
amazon
4.0
1 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
297 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
216 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Koss QZ5?

  • Effective passive noise reduction through closed Pneumalite™ ear cushions and a secure headband seal.
  • Integrated volume control on the ear cup for quick on-the-fly adjustments.
  • Includes a stereo/mono switch, making it versatile for both music and communication/radio use.
  • Features a long, durable 8-foot coiled cord suitable for various setups.
  • Backed by the Koss Limited Lifetime Warranty for long-term peace of mind.
  • Equipped with neodymium magnets which help provide crisp sound and deep bass.

What customers dislike about Koss QZ5?

  • Behind-the-head headband design can be uncomfortable for some users during long sessions.
  • The 60-ohm impedance is higher than many consumer portable headphones, which may require more power for maximum volume.
  • Bulky design and fixed coiled cable make it less portable compared to modern foldable alternatives.
  • Passive isolation only; does not feature active noise cancellation (ANC) to block low-frequency hums like airplane engines.
  • Vinyl ear pads can cause ears to get warm or sweat during extended use.

Video reviews

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