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Koss QZ900 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£250
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Koss QZ900 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.6

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%

6.6

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.6

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%

8.3

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

6.8

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

6.4

Battery

4.0%

3.9

Calls & Controls

Good
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 4.9
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.2

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    8.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 4.5
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.2

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £250

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Koss QZ900 is a closed-back, over-ear wired headphone featuring battery-powered active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive isolation designed for travel and office environments. Key technical specifications include 40mm dynamic drivers, a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz, 32 ohms impedance, and a sensitivity of 100 dB SPL. Its main pros include a foldable design for portability, a detachable 4-foot cord with in-line volume control, and a long ANC battery life of up to 50 hours on a single AAA battery. However, cons include a primarily plastic build that may feel less durable, a recessed high-frequency response, and noise isolation that may struggle in very loud commuting environments.

Technical Specifications of Koss QZ900

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%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

6.6
Koss QZ900 has a technical score of 6.61 points, which is higher than that of 78% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Koss QZ900 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

6.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

7.4
Koss QZ900 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.4 points, which is higher than 72.4% 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

yes
Koss QZ900 supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% 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

?
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 QZ900 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

20 Hz
Koss QZ900 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% 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

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

no
Koss QZ900 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% 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

?
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
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 QZ900 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

?
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 QZ900 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 QZ900 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

218 g
Koss QZ900 weighs 218 g, lighter than 49.9% of headphones and equal to 0.3% 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

?
Show more

Koss QZ900 vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Koss QZ900 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    Koss QZ900 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • In-line controls
    Koss QZ900 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 QZ900 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Removable battery
    Koss QZ900 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 QZ900 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • 0.12 % lower distortion
    Koss QZ900 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.2 % 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 QZ900 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.2 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.177 % vs 0.3 %
  • Active noise cancellation
    Koss QZ900 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 0.12 % lower distortion
    Koss QZ900 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.2 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • Removable battery
    Koss QZ900 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • In-line controls
    Koss QZ900 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Sound
Battery
Calls & Controls
  • 9 mm tighter earcup height
    Koss QZ900 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (51 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Koss QZ900 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Koss QZ900 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 10 dB lower max SPL
    Koss QZ900 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • Not headset-ready
    Koss QZ900 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    Koss QZ900 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 12 years older release date
    Koss QZ900 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,005 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
  • No voice assistant support
    Koss QZ900 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 QZ900 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Not headset-ready
    Koss QZ900 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 QZ900 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 9 mm tighter earcup height
    Koss QZ900 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (51 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Koss QZ900 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (51 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.51 mm vs 60 mm
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Koss QZ900 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 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 QZ900 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 4.65x less popular
    Koss QZ900 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    Koss QZ900 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Koss QZ900 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Koss QZ900 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2.78x more expensive
    Koss QZ900 is more expensive than the average headphone (£250 vs £90).
    Koss QZ900 is more expensive than the average headphone (£250 vs £90).£250 vs £90
  • 12 years older release date
    Koss QZ900 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,005 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 QZ900 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,005 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2005 vs 2017
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Koss QZ900 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Koss QZ900?

  • Lightweight and generally comfortable for most users
  • Excellent passive seal that prevents sound leakage
  • Comes with a protective carrying case for safe transportation
  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) can be used independently of music
  • Wired design ensures negligible latency for movies or gaming
  • Durable rugged construction mentioned by some long-term owners
  • Koss Lifetime Warranty provides long-term value and peace of mind

What customers dislike about Koss QZ900?

  • Active Noise Cancellation is often described as minimal or weak
  • Noticeable electronic hiss when ANC is activated
  • Sound profile is heavily skewed toward bass, making it 'dark' and less detailed
  • All-plastic build can feel cheap or less premium to some users
  • Lack of adequate in-line controls for volume or playback
  • Cables are described by some users as short and flimsy
  • Vinyl ear pads can become hot or sticky during prolonged use

Expert reviews

C
consumerreports.org
Unknown
Koss QZ900 Headphone Review - Consumer Reports Consumer Reports

The Consumer Reports review of the Koss QZ900 highlights these closed-back, active noise-canceling headphones for their versatility, offering both noise-canceling and conventional operating modes, plus a 48-inch detachable cord and a limited lifetime warranty. However, the evaluation notes significant comfort issues, including a high clamping force, cramped ear cups, and vinyl...Read more

R
rtings.com
29/02/2016
Koss QZ900 Headphones Review - RTINGS.com RTINGS.com

The Koss QZ900Go are identified by RTINGS.com as comfortable, lightweight over-ear headphones that provide a tight acoustic seal and minimal sound leakage. Pros include an ergonomic design suitable for long-term wear and decent passive isolation for everyday listening. RTINGS.comConversely, the headphones suffer from a flimsy, all-plastic construction and a heavily bass-biased,...Read more

A
audio.com.pl
31/05/2013
Review of KOSS QZ/900 headphones", "KOSS QZ/900 headphones test

The Koss QZ900Go review by Radek Łabanowski highlights a classical, unpretentious pair of closed-back wired headphones priced at 1,100 PLN. A major pro is the inclusion of a lifetime warranty, alongside a highly effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system that excels at silencing low-frequency background sounds, such as airplane engines. Additionally, the user can unplug the...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
ljudochbild.se
10/05/2010
Koss QZ900 - blocks the noise out

The Ljud & Bild review of the Koss QZ900 noise-canceling headphones highlights a lightweight, compact alternative for users who dislike tight in-ear monitors. Retailing at 2,500 SEK, these over-ear headphones feature built-in microphones to manage active noise cancellation (ANC), fueled by a single AAA battery that provides a long lifecycle of up to 50 hours. The reviewer notes that...Read more

(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
07/04/2010
Koss QZ900 Review: Welcome to the World of Silence

The Koss QZ900 is an over-ear, active noise-canceling headphone reviewed by 01net that delivers high-quality audio and strong low-frequency isolation. Priced at €300, the headphones offer a highly accurate frequency response from 20 to 18,720 Hz and an impressive sensitivity level of 102.8 dB, resulting in clean, distortion-free sound reproduction. Its standout features include a...Read more

(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
06/06/2010
Koss QZ900 Review: Welcome to the World of Silence

The review from 01net.com highly praises the Monster Cable Jamz in-ear headphones as a versatile, well-designed, and high-quality option priced under €100. Positioned as a higher-end in-ear model from the manufacturer, it proves to be highly functional for multiple daily activities, including listening to music or watching movies on both portable media players and PCs. The reviewers...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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