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Audio-Technica ATH-M20x vs Koss Porta Pro

Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x for closed-back isolation and a more neutral studio sound. Buy the Koss Porta Pro for portability, a lighter fit and a lower price. As of November 5, 2026, the M20x is $59.00 at Best Buy and the Porta Pro is $39.99 at Amazon, a $19 gap.

Today the Koss Porta Pro costs $19.01 less at its best price.

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Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

$59.00at Best BuyObserved at 2:34 PM
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Choose the ATH-M20x if you want closed-back headphones for recording, quiet listening or blocking out background noise.

Pros
  • Closed-back cups keep sound in and noise out
  • Comfortable over-ear fit for long sessions
  • Detachable-style long cable suits desk and studio use
  • Solid build for the price
Cons
  • No fold and a long 3 m cable make it awkward on the go
  • Needs more power than low-impedance earbuds
  • Heavier than the Porta Pro
Koss
Koss Porta Pro

Koss Porta Pro

$39.99at AmazonObserved at 2:06 PM
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Choose the Porta Pro if you want a foldable, lightweight on-ear pair for travel and casual listening at the lowest price.

Pros
  • Folds small and weighs about 60 g
  • Open, lively sound with strong mids
  • Cheaper by about $19
  • Short 1.2 m cable suits phones and players
Cons
  • Semi-open design leaks sound both ways
  • On-ear pads can press after long wear
  • Thin cable and plastic headband feel less durable

What separates them

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xKoss Porta Pro
Price$59.00 at Best Buy as of November 5, 2026$39.99 at Amazon as of November 5, 2026
Earpiece designOver-ear, closed-backOn-ear, semi-open-back
IsolationClosed cups block some outside noise and limit sound leakSemi-open design leaks sound and lets noise in
PortabilityFixed cups, no fold; about 11 in tallFolds down to about 2 in tall
Frequency response15–20,000 Hz (M-series tuning)15–25,000 Hz
Impedance47 ohms60 ohms
Cable3 m straight cable, single entry1.2 m straight cable, dual entry
Weight and fitAbout 190 g, over-ear clampAbout 60 g, on-ear with adjustable headband

Price history

$59.00$39.99
Nov 2Nov 5
  • Audio-Technica ATH-M20x: lowest $59.00 on Nov 2 at Target; $59.00 on Nov 5.
  • Koss Porta Pro: lowest $39.99 on Nov 5 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $59.00Free shippingObserved at 2:34 PM
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  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $59.00Free shippingObserved at 2:34 PM
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  • Newegg.comNew

    In stock

    $59.00Free shippingObserved at 2:34 PM
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  • Guitar CenterNew

    In stock

    $59.00Observed at 2:34 PM
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  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
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Koss Porta Pro

  • B&H Photo-Video-AudioNew

    In stock

    $49.95Free shippingObserved at 2:33 PM
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  • Koss CorporationNew

    In stock

    $49.99Free shippingObserved at 2:33 PM
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  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $39.99Free shippingObserved at 2:06 PM
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  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by new-sealed

    $50.88Observed at 2:33 PM
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Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecAudio-Technica ATH-M20xKoss Porta Pro
ConnectivityWiredWired
ColorBlackBlack / Silver
StyleOn-earOn-ear
Height11″ tall2″ tall
Over-EarYes—
Frequency Response—15-25,000 Hz
Impedance—60 ohms
Sensitivity—101 dB SPL/1mW
Cable—Straight, Dual Entry, 4ft standard 3.5mm
Wearing Style—Dual Ear with Headband
Foldable—Yes
Earpiece Design—On-Ear (Supra-Aural)
Show all 17 specsShow fewer specs
SpecAudio-Technica ATH-M20xKoss Porta Pro
Open/Closed-Back—Semi-Open-Back
Driver Type—Dynamic
Audio Connector—1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS
Cable Length—3.9' / 1.2 m
Use—Sports

What reviewers say

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

Owners and reviewers generally treat the ATH-M20x as one of the best sub-$60 wired headphones for monitoring and casual listening. It is praised for clear, balanced sound and comfort, and criticised for its plastic feel and tight fit.

Pros
  • Good value sound quality for the price
  • Comfortable enough for long sessions
  • Effective isolation for a closed-back budget model
  • Simple, repairable design
Cons
  • Build feels plasticky compared with pricier M-series models
  • Firm clamp at first
  • Cable is not detachable on the standard version
  • Little sub-bass

Koss Porta Pro

Owners treat the Porta Pro as a long-running budget favorite: light, comfortable and surprisingly open-sounding for the money. Complaints center on sound leakage, fragile build and foam pads that flatten over time.

What people mention
  • SoundPraisedOwners describe a lively, open sound with decent bass and clear mids for the price.
  • ComfortPraisedThe light weight and adjustable headband make long listening sessions easy.
  • Sound leakageCriticisedThe semi-open design lets music out and noise in, so it suits quiet rooms better than commutes.
  • BuildCriticisedPlastic parts and a thin cable are seen as the weak points.
Reviews
  • Best wired headphones under $50 - Browse earbuds
  • Best wired headphones under $50 - All products featured are independently chosen by us

Questions and answers

Which is better for recording or noisy rooms?
The ATH-M20x. Its closed-back cups leak less sound into a mic and block more background noise than the semi-open Porta Pro.
Which is better for commuting and travel?
The Porta Pro. It folds to about 2 inches and weighs around 60 g, while the M20x does not fold and has a 3 m cable.
Is the ATH-M20x worth the extra $19?
If you need isolation and an over-ear fit, yes. If you mostly listen on the move, the Porta Pro covers that for less.
Which has more bass?
The Porta Pro has a warmer, bass-forward tuning. The M20x is flatter and more neutral, which suits monitoring.
Do either need an amp?
No. Both run fine from a phone or laptop; the M20x at 47 ohms benefits slightly from a dedicated amp but does not require one.
Which lasts longer?
The M20x generally holds up better. Its thicker cable and closed cups wear less than the Porta Pro's thin cable and folding joints.

More comparisons

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  • JBL Tune 520BT vs Koss Porta Pro

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best headphones under $50 for everyday listening