KOSS KOSS Black UR20 3.5mm/ 6.3mm Connector Circumaural Review
The Koss UR20 headphones cost $28 and deliver sound quality that humbles models costing five times as much. Just don't expect a microphone, Bluetooth, or any mercy for your wallet.
The 30-Second Version
For $28, the Koss UR20 delivers sound and comfort that shames pricier headphones. Just don't expect a microphone, Bluetooth, or any features invented after 2005.
Overview
The Koss UR20 is a $28 reality check in a world of $400 headphones. If you need a simple, comfortable, wired pair of over-ears that sound shockingly good for the price, this is it. Forget Bluetooth, noise cancellation, and microphones. This is about plugging in and listening.
Performance
The sound quality is the real surprise here. Scoring in the 83rd percentile for sound against all headphones in our database, these punch way above their weight class. The bass is present without being muddy, and the overall tuning is balanced enough for both music and studio monitoring. For $28, that's borderline absurd.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sound quality that embarrasses headphones five times the price. 70th
- Extremely comfortable, ranking in the 93rd percentile. You can wear them all day.
- Built like a tank with a metal-reinforced headband, unlike the flimsy plastic on many budget pairs.
- The 8-foot cord and included 6.3mm adapter make them legitimately useful for home studio or DJ setups.
Cons
- No microphone at all. Don't even think about using these for calls. 22th
- The cord is permanently attached and very long, which is great for a desk but terrible for portability. 27th
- They're huge and don't fold up. These are stay-at-home headphones.
- Zero modern features. No Bluetooth, no ANC, no app. It's just a wire and two drivers.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | Over-Ear |
| Open/Closed | Closed |
| Ear Cushion | Leather |
Audio
| Driver Type | KOSS Black UR20 3.5mm/ 6.3mm Connector Circumaural Stereophones |
| Freq Min | 30 |
| Freq Max | 20000 |
| Impedance | 32 |
| Sensitivity | 97 |
| Codecs | Dynamic Element for extended frequency response Closed leatherette ear cushion for maximum isolation and deep bass Built for maximum durability for DJ and recording use |
Connectivity
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
| Cable Length | 2.44 |
Value & Pricing
At $28, the value proposition is almost offensive to other headphone makers. You're paying for sound and comfort, period. It's an incredible deal if that's all you need.
vs Competition
Don't compare these to a Sony WH-1000XM6. Compare them to other cheap wired workhorses. They destroy typical $30 gaming headsets in sound and build. If you need a wireless alternative, the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro gives you ANC and Bluetooth for about $100, but you'll sacrifice some of this pure, unadulterated sound quality for the convenience.
| Spec | KOSS KOSS Black UR20 3.5mm/ 6.3mm Connector Circumaural | Sony Sony - WH-1000XM6- Best Wireless Noise Cancelling | Apple AirPods Max Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C) - Midnight | Sennheiser Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless Active | JBL JBL Tune 770NC Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear | Bose QuietComfort headphones Bose QuietComfort Wireless Over-Ear Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Driver Type | KOSS Black UR20 3.5mm/ 6.3mm Connector Circumaural Stereophones | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | - | 30 | 40 | 37 | 40 | - |
| Impedance Ohms | 32 | 48 | 16 | - | 32 | - |
| Wireless | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 30 | 20 | 50 | 70 | 24 |
Common Questions
Q: Will these work with my phone?
Yes, if your phone has a 3.5mm headphone jack. They come with a standard plug. If you have a newer iPhone without a jack, you'll need a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter.
Q: Are they good for gaming?
They're okay (scoring 40/100 in our tests), but only for the sound. There's no microphone, so you'd need a separate mic for chat. A dedicated gaming headset is probably easier.
Q: How's the bass?
Surprisingly solid for closed-back headphones at this price. It's not overwhelming, but it's definitely there and well-defined, thanks to those leatherette ear cushions sealing things in.
Who Should Skip This
If you need a do-it-all headphone for commuting, calls, and the gym, skip these. They're anchored to a desk by an 8-foot cable. Go get a decent wireless pair like the Anker Space One Pro instead.
Verdict
We recommend the Koss UR20 without hesitation for anyone on a tight budget who wants great sound for music, editing, or just listening at their desk. They're a legendary value. But if you need to take calls, walk around, or block out the world, you're looking at the wrong product. This is a specialized tool, and it's excellent at its one job.