KOSS KOSS Pink 189618 In Ear Bud with Mic Review
The KOSS Pink buds offer a clear microphone for just $25, but you'll sacrifice sound quality and convenience. Here's who should buy them.
The 30-Second Version
The KOSS Pink buds are a $25 wired set with a surprisingly good microphone but mediocre sound. Buy them if you need a cheap, clear mic for calls. Skip them if you care about audio quality or want wireless freedom.
Overview
The KOSS Pink 189618 In-Ear Buds are a $25 wired set with a built-in mic. They're a simple, no-frills option that gets you sound and a way to talk, and that's about it.
Our data shows they're best for gaming and calls, but those scores are still pretty low (36 and 30 out of 100). Their weakest area is fitness, which makes sense for a wired pair. This is a basic, back-to-basics product.
Performance
Performance is exactly what you'd expect for the price. The mic is surprisingly decent, landing in the 85th percentile, so your voice comes through clearly. Everything else is average or below. Sound quality, comfort, and build quality all sit around the 40th percentile mark. They work, but they won't wow you.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The microphone is genuinely good for the price.
- They're cheap at just $25.
- Wired connection means no battery to worry about.
- Simple plug-and-play setup with no apps needed.
Cons
- Sound quality is just okay, nothing special. 23th
- Comfort is average and might not suit all ears. 26th
- The wired design is a hassle for workouts. 33th
- Build quality feels a bit flimsy.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | In-Ear |
Audio
| Driver Type | KOSS Pink 189618 In Ear Bud with Mic |
| Codecs | KOSS Pink 189618 In Ear Bud with Mic |
Connectivity
| Wired Connector | KOSS Pink 189618 In Ear Bud with Mic |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
Value & Pricing
For $25, you're getting a functional microphone and basic audio. It's not a good value if you care about sound quality or comfort, but it's a decent value if you just need a cheap, reliable mic for calls or Discord chats. You're paying for utility, not an experience.
vs Competition
Compared to wireless buds in the $25-$50 range, like the Anker Soundcore P3i, you're giving up convenience and features for a better mic. The KOSS mic beats many budget wireless mics. But if you want any kind of noise cancellation, better sound, or a wireless design, you'll need to spend more on something like the Nothing Ear (a). This is a niche pick for mic-first users on a tight budget.
| Spec | KOSS KOSS Pink 189618 In Ear Bud with Mic | Technics Technics EAH-AZ100 Reference-Class True Wireless | Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation Apple - AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation - | Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra True Wireless | Jabra Jabra Evolve2 Buds USB-C MS Earbuds with USB-C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | True Wireless | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver Type | KOSS Pink 189618 In Ear Bud with Mic | Dynamic | Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Black) | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 8 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | - | 11 | 16 | 25 | 18 | 25 |
| Water Resistance | - | IPX4 | IPX4 | Water-Resistant | IPX4 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | - | true | true | true | true | true |
Common Questions
Q: Is the microphone good for gaming?
Yes, the mic is its strongest feature. Our data puts it in the 85th percentile, so your teammates will hear you clearly, which is rare at this price.
Q: Do they work with phones and PCs?
Yes, they have a standard 3.5mm jack, so they'll plug into any phone with a headphone jack, laptops, and gaming controllers.
Q: How is the bass and sound quality?
It's okay. Sound quality scores in the 41st percentile, so don't expect deep bass or crisp highs. It's functional audio, not hi-fi.
Who Should Skip This
If you need earbuds for working out, look elsewhere immediately. The wired design is a hassle, and the fitness score is a dismal 14/100. Also, skip these if you want rich, immersive sound for music—you'll be disappointed.
Verdict
Buy these if you need a super cheap, wired headset with a clear microphone for PC calls, customer service work, or basic gaming chat. If your primary goal is listening to music or you want to move around, there are better options, even at this price.