Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones - Comfortable and Portable Clip-On Headphones

Published on June 12, 2023, 4:32 p.m.

The Koss KSC21 SportClip are a budget-friendly pair of clip-on headphones that deliver surprisingly good sound in a lightweight and comfortable on-ear design. Let’s take a closer look at what these portable ear hook headphones have to offer.

Overview

The Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones from renowned audio brand Koss are an affordable option for those seeking lightweight clip-on headphones for activities like sports and travel. Weighing just 1.6 ounces, they clip securely over the ear for comfort and feature an open design that allows you to hear ambient sounds.

Key Features

  • Wired connectivity via 3.5mm jack
  • Weighs only 1.6 ounces for portability
  • Adjustable earhooks for secure fit
  • Open design allows ambient sound
  • Frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz
  • 26 ohms impedance

 Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones

Design - Simple and Portable

The Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones has a slim and minimalist profile, available in black color. Constructed of plastic, the earhooks and padded ear cushions provide a comfortable fit. The adjustable earhooks accommodate different ear sizes. The open design allows situational awareness.

Sound - Impressive for the Price

With a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz and 26 ohms impedance, the Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones delivers pleasing sound across lows, mids and highs. While bass could be punchier, overall the sound is balanced given the budget price. Volume is also ample.

Comfort and Fit - Lightweight with Adjustable Earhooks

Weighing just 1.6 ounces, the Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones is easy to wear for extended periods. The padded ear cushions rest comfortably on the ears. The adjustable earhooks ensure a secure fit for different ear sizes. Open design prevents ear fatigue.

 Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones

Connectivity - Wired Analog Audio

The Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones connects via a 3.5mm plug, compatible with smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices with a headphone jack. No batteries or charging required.

Controls

No inline controls are included. Volume and playback is controlled directly on the connected device.

Comfort

The adjustable earhooks and padded ear cushions provide a comfortable fit for most users. The lightweight plastic build contributes to the headphones’ wearability over long listening sessions.

Water Resistance

The Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones have no stated water resistance rating.

Use Cases

The Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones are ideal for people with active lifestyles. The open design allows you to hear traffic and other ambient noises, making them suitable for running, hiking, cycling, and other sports. Their lightweight and clip-on design also makes them great for travel, letting you easily wear them around your neck. The adjustable earhooks provide a customizable fit for comfort during long listening sessions on the go.

User Feedback Analysis

Reviews of the Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones indicate they have been well-received overall, especially considering their budget-friendly price point.

The majority of users praise the surprising sound quality - while bass could hit harder, many note the overall balanced sound that provides enjoyable detail across highs, mids, and lows. For less than $15, most buyers do not expect audiophile-level performance, and say the Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones exceeds expectations in its price range.

Comfort is another common highlight. Users mention the lightweight plastic build and padded ear cushions allowing comfortable wear for long listening sessions. Being able to adjust the earhooks helps create a secure fit tailored to the user’s head size. The open design is also appreciated for preventing ear fatigue over extended use.

Many users specifically sought out the clip-on style for activities like sports, travel, and commuting. They say the Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones stays securely in place during exercise and allows hearing ambient sounds like traffic. The compact size when folded makes them easy to pack.

Critical feedback centers around two areas. First, the thin cabling leads some to question long term durability - excessive twisting or yanking could potentially damage the wires. Second, a secure fit may be difficult for those with larger ear sizes, as the earhooks and padding run on the smaller side.

But considering the affordable sub-$15 pricing, most find these drawbacks forgivable. The Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones manages to check the key boxes of good sound, wearable comfort, and portable convenience that buyers expect. For those wanting basic clip-on headphones on a tight budget, the Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones gets high marks for value.

Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • Surprisingly good sound
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Adjustable earhooks for secure fit
  • Open design allows situational awareness

Cons

  • Bass could be more punchy
  • Concerns over long term durability

Value

For a budget price under $15, the Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones delivers lightweight comfort and audio performance beyond what you’d expect. The value proposition is very compelling for those looking for an inexpensive but capable pair of clip-on headphones.

Conclusion

For an affordable price, the Koss KSC21 SportClip Clip-On Headphones deliver very good sound quality paired with a comfortable and portable on-ear design. If you’re looking for budget-friendly clip-on headphones, these are easy to recommend.

Specifications

  • Model: KSC21
  • Color: Black
  • Form factor: On ear clip-on
  • Connectivity: Wired 3.5mm
  • Impedance: 26 ohms
  • Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Sound isolation: Open design allows ambient sound
  • Weight: 1.6 ounces

Box Contents

The Koss KSC21 SportClip headphones come packaged with the headphone unit and documentation. A 3.5mm audio cable is permanently attached.

How to Use

Using the KSC21 headphones is simple. First adjust the earhooks so the earpads sit comfortably over your ears without too much pressure. Then plug the 3.5mm cable into your audio source device such as a smartphone or portable music player. Adjust volume as desired on the connected device. The open design allows you to hear ambient sounds while listening.