Koss KE5
A standard 60Hz-20kHz frequency response and 16Ω impedance deliver the familiar Sound of Koss in a wired, 3.5mm design that requires no charging. The contour frame provides a comfortable, secure fit for extended wear, making these a durable and portable option for daily use. These earbuds are best for budget-conscious listeners needing a simple, reliable wired backup pair for travel or casual listening.
Form Factor in-ear
14 Overall Score
No current retailer price
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong affordability (100th percentile) 100th
- Strong comfort (70th percentile) 70th
Cons
- Below average sound (4th percentile)
- Below average mic (11th percentile)
- Below average social proof (21st percentile)
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | in-ear |
| Weight | 0.0 kg / 0.1 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Size | 3.5 |
| Freq Min | 60 |
| Freq Max | 20000 |
| Impedance | 16 |
| Sensitivity | 98 |
| Codecs | KOSS KE5W Wired Earbuds & In Ear Headphones, White |
Noise Control
| ANC | No |
Connectivity
| Wireless | No |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
Microphone
| Microphone | No |
vs Competition
| Spec | Koss KE5 | Technics EAH-AZ100 | JLab JBuds Pods ANC | Samsung Galaxy Buds Buds3 Pro | Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | Soundcore P31i |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear |
| Driver Type | - | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Wireless | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 6.1 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 8 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Case Battery Hours | - | 28 | 56 | 26 | 24 | 50 |
| Water Resistance | - | IPX4 | IP55 | IP57 | IP57 | IP55 |
| Multipoint | - | true | true | true | true | - |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | Connectivity | Social Proof | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koss KE5 | 30.8 | 10.7 | 33.8 | 4.3 | 44.2 | 69.7 | 31.3 | 21.1 | 99.8 |
| Technics EAH-AZ100 Compare | 97.5 | 97.4 | 78.8 | 99.7 | 76.6 | 93.2 | 99.8 | 81.2 | 2.9 |
| JLab JBuds Pods ANC Compare | 93.5 | 97.4 | 90.8 | 87.1 | 94 | 93.2 | 98.1 | 95.5 | 32.9 |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds Buds3 Pro Compare | 97.5 | 97.4 | 98.9 | 92.2 | 70.5 | 93.2 | 99.6 | 89.7 | 7.2 |
| Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation Compare | 97.5 | 81 | 98.9 | 90.3 | 73.1 | 69.7 | 99.6 | 99.3 | 11 |
| Soundcore P31i Compare | 89.9 | 97.4 | 90.8 | 96.6 | 92.2 | 69.7 | 86.2 | 89.7 | 57.5 |
Usage Scores
- Calls7.4
- Music10.8
- Overall14.2
- Budget53.6
- Gaming9.6
- Travel12.3
- Commute11.3
- Fitness14.3
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
