Enjoy fast, FREE delivery, exclusive deals and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery
Amazon Prime includes:
Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.
Amazon Prime members enjoy:- Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
- Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
- Instant streaming of thousands of movies and TV episodes with Prime Video
- A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
- Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
- Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access
Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.
Other Sellers on Amazon
& FREE Shipping
98% positive over last 12 months
-
-
-
-
-
-
VIDEO -
-
Koss 'The Plug' In-Ear Headphones (Black)
Learn more
- Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
- Learn more about free returns.
- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
| Brand | Koss |
| Model Name | 186818 |
| Color | Black |
| Form Factor | In Ear |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
| Special Feature | lightweight |
| Included Components | Koss 'The Plug' In-Ear Headphones (Black) |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Material | iphone |
About this item
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- 16 to 23,000 Hz frequency response
- Deep bass performance
- 4- Foot cord
- Wireless communication technology: Bluetooth
Additional Details
Frequently bought together

- +
- +
More items to explore
Important information
Legal Disclaimer
Warranty does not cover misuse of product.
Compare with similar items
This item Koss 'The Plug' In-Ear Headphones (Black) | Koss The Plug Wireless Bluetooth In-Ear Buds, In-Line Microphone and Remote, Noise Isolating Memory Foam Cushions, Black | Koss In Ear Headphone iL100K - Black | Massdrop x Koss Porta Pro X On-Ear Headphones — Noise-Cancelling in-line Microphone, Activate Voice Assistant or Skip Tracks with in-line Remote, Collapsible for Maximum Portability (Midnight Blue) | Koss Porta Pro On Ear Headphones with Case, Black / Silver | Koss KEB90 Utility Earbud, Detachable Interchangeable Cord System, Noise Isolation Design, Stealth Grey | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | 4.3 out of 5 stars (2421) | 4.0 out of 5 stars (76) | 4.2 out of 5 stars (27) | 4.5 out of 5 stars (314) | 4.6 out of 5 stars (14785) | 4.9 out of 5 stars (5) |
| Price | $11.99$11.99 | $39.99$39.99 | $12.00$12.00 | $46.21$46.21 | $39.99$39.99 | $69.99$69.99 |
| Shipping | FREE Shipping on orders over $25.00 shipped by Amazon or get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime | FREE Shipping. Details | FREE Shipping on orders over $25.00 shipped by Amazon or get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime | FREE Shipping. Details | FREE Shipping. Details | FREE Shipping. Details |
| Sold By | Koss Stereophones | Koss Stereophones | Koss Stereophones | Amazon.com | Koss Stereophones | Koss Stereophones |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | Midnight Blue | Black/Silver | Stealth Grey |
| Fit Type | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | On-Ear | On-Ear | In-Ear |
| Item Dimensions | 6 x 4 x 1 inches | — | 5.2 x 1.2 x 2.7 inches | — | 6.81 x 2 x 8.94 inches | — |
| Item Weight | 1.34 ounces | — | 2.40 ounces | — | 2.79 ounces | — |
| Special Features | lightweight | Microphone, wireless, Noise-Isolating | lightweight | Foldable, Lightweight, Microphone-Feature, Tangle-free-cord, Universal-phone-control, default_no_selection_value | foldable, lightweight | Microphone, USB connectivity, Noise-Isolating |
From the manufacturer
The Plug Features
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
Noise Isolating In-Ear Earbud HeadphonesLightweight, passive noise cancelling in-ear earbud headphones with soft memory foam cushions |
ConnectivityWired, 4-foot headphone cable connects to devices via 3.5mm plug |
Great Sound & ComfortHigh quality in-ear earbud headphones with exceptional sound isolation. Featuring memory foam cushions for the perfect, custom fit. |
Works withAny PC, Laptop, Studio Equipment, DJ Equipment, Smartphone, Tablet, Portable DVD player, radio and any other device, with a 3.5mm plug |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koss The Plug In-Ear Earbud Headphones | Koss BT115i Wireless In-Ear EarBud Headphones | Koss BT232i Wireless Bluetooth FitClips (Designed for Sports & Exercise) | Koss BT190i Wireless Bluetooth In-Ear FitBuds(Designed for Sports & Exercise) | Koss FitClips KSC32i Headphones(Designed for Sports & Exercise) | Koss The Plug Wireless | |
| Type | Headphones | Wireless Bluetooth Headphones | Wireless Bluetooth Headphones | Wireless Bluetooth Headphones | Headphones | Wireless Bluetooth Headphones |
| Fit | In-Ear EarBud | In-Ear EarBud | In-Ear Clip | In-Ear EarBud | In-Ear Clip | In-Ear EarBud |
| Connection | Wired (3.5mm plug) | Wireless Bluetooth | Wireless Bluetooth | Wireless Bluetooth | Wired (3.5mm plug) | Wireless Bluetooth |
| Battery Life | N/A | 6+ Hours | 6+ Hours | 6+ Hours | N/A | 6+ Hours |
| Microphone | No | In-Line Microphone | In-Line Microphone | In-Line Microphone | In-Line Microphone | In-Line Microphone |
| Controls | No | In-Line 3-Button Control | In-Line 3-Button Control | In-Line 3-Button Control | In-Line 1-Button Control | In-Line 3-Button Control |
| Sound | Deep Bass & Great Passive Noise Cancelling Isolation | Wireless Sound with Deep Bass & passive Noise Isolation | Wireless Sound with Smooth Bass for inspired workouts & exercise | Wireless Sound with Smooth Bass for inspired workouts & exercise | Wireless Sound with Smooth Bass for inspired workouts & exercise | Deep Bass & Great Passive Noise Cancelling Isolation |
| Comfort | Memory Foam Cushions create the perfect fit | Soft, Silicone in-ear cushions | Soft, Silicone in-ear cushions & Soft Ear-Clip | Soft, Silicone in-ear cushions & in-ear clip | Soft, Silicone in-ear cushions & Soft Ear-Clip | Memory Foam Cushions create the perfect fit |
| Portability & Travel | Lightweight & Durable | Lightweight & Durable | Lightweight & Durable | Lightweight & Durable | Lightweight & Durable | Lightweight & Durable |
| Bluetooth Version | N/A | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | N/A | Bluetooth 4.2 |
What's in the box
Videos
Videos for this product

0:29
Click to play video

Koss 'The Plug' In-Ear Headphones (Black)
Merchant Video
Videos for related products

2:18
Click to play video

Koss PortaPro, my favorite classic headphones!
Tools. Electro. DIY

Videos for related products

0:36
Click to play video

Koss KEB15i In-Ear Headphone, Teal
Merchant Video
Videos for related products

0:26
Click to play video

Koss In Ear Headphone iL100K - Black
Merchant Video
Videos for related products

0:26
Click to play video

Koss KTXPRO1 Titanium Portable Headphones with Volume Control
Merchant Video
Videos for related products

12:44
Click to play video

The Best EARBUDS for Gaming - 2021
Publisher Video
Videos for related products

0:44
Click to play video

Koss Utility Series
Koss Stereophones
Videos for related products

0:57
Click to play video

KOSS Earphone REVIEW! Ultimate Hidden Gem!
Honest Reviews

Product information
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 4 x 1 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1.34 ounces |
| Department | Electronics |
| Manufacturer | Koss |
| Language | English |
| ASIN | B00001P4XA |
| Item model number | 156407 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #27,861 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #2,252 in Earbud & In-Ear Headphones |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | July 8, 2002 |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product Description
Product Description
The Koss Plug revolutionized the world of in-ear headphones. A first of its kind, these are stereo, noise isolating in-ear headphones that deliver the kind of accurate acoustical reproduction and isolation typically found in high-end, closed-style high fidelity headphones. A dynamic element positioned just outside the ear connects to a tubular port structure that inserts into a soft, expandable cushion. The soft, foam cushion expands for a custom comfort fit with every listening experience. It also improves isolation, plugging out ambient sounds, and enhances deep bass and treble clarity.
Amazon.com
Koss's miniature portable earphone, affectionately dubbed "The Plug," makes use of an ear-cushion material (similar to that used in sound-blocking earplugs) that slowly expands in your ear canal to provide a custom fit and maximum sonic isolation from external noises. A detachable, extrawide headband makes these Koss-termed "stereophones" easy to carry or store.
For accurate sound reproduction, these earbud-style headphones are made with oxygen-free copper voice coils and neodymium iron boron magnets. You can enjoy them with either a portable or home audio device, since both 0.125-inch and 0.25-inch adapter jacks are included.
"The Plug" weighs a mere quarter ounce and has a frequency response rated at an impressive 16 to 23,000 Hz (though its unlikely you'll hear bass output anywhere close to what you'd get from a similarly rated loudspeaker!).
Impedance is 16 ohms, with less than a 0.3 percent distortion and reasonably high sensitivity of 112 dB SPL/1 mW.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonReviewed in the United States on March 16, 2016
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
I also finally broke down and did what others suggested, and made my own 'seal' out of earplugs. I have a gazillion lying around, so I figured, why not? I simply took a small pair of pointy scissors, opened them up so that I was using only one blade, and (carefully) slid the earplug through to the end of the blade. It took quite a bit of pressure, but it slowly went through. Then, I took it off the blade, closed the blades, and then pushed the earplug through again, this time on both blades (closed). This time I needed to pull them out a bit to find the hole at end as I was pushing the blades through. It had closed right up and was hard to spot. After I pushed it through, I opened up the blades and held them there for a second or two, then I pulled the earplug off the scissors, and at the same time, I sorta turned it inside out, not all the way, but as much as possible.This was the only way that I could get it onto the end of the little rod that comes out of the earplugs. It bends easily and obviously I'm afraid of breaking it, or any of the tiny wires that may be inside. Once i got it on, I pushed it all the way through to the end, and very carefully snipped around the hole to make it fit well, but be slightly open for sound (Being careful not to cut the white rod.) Then, I inserted the earplug/bud and I find that it seals much better and it stays in my ears better. The size that it came with did work in my little ear canals, but they always felt like they were going to come out, and a gentle tug would pop them out. These fit much more snugly. The sound is impressive. Good bass.
---- ---- ----
Old Review
I have small ears, so shopping for earbuds can be a challenge. I'd read that you can squish these down, so I'd hoped that by being able to do so would help these earbuds to fit into the limited space of my ear canals. It did!
Like earplugs, you simply squish and roll these between your fingers and insert them into your ear canal. I find that if I tug back slightly on my ear while I am inserting the earbud (or plug), that it helps open up the already tight space and makes insertion a little bit easier. Like an earplug, they then re-expand and fill your ear canal, which is how they are held in place.
The upside to this is that it creates kind of a seal - or a noise barrier - isolating the noise of the outside world from entering in and bothering you - just like an ear plug. Unlike an ear plug, it does not create that perfect seal, so noise does get through.
The downside, like an earplug, it gets bothersome to have something inside your ear canal after awhile. Your ears get full and achy, and that achy feeling can persist for hours, even after you take the earbud out. But for some of us, it's worth it.
I would have loved to have had an inline volume control on them. I'd actually thought I was ordering a pair with the inline volume. I was looking at a bunch of earbuds, most of them by Koss, my go-to brand, and the one I thought I was going with had an in-line volume control. (Turns out that one was slightly more expensive than this one, so bonus for me.) I had ordered this one by accident, because I do not usually order earbuds without an in-line volume control. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I received these. I didn't send them back because I liked them so much. (I also found an in-line volume control that I can order as an add-on to these earbuds that I plan on ordering in the near future.)
The range on these is fantastic. My playlist cracks most people up by it's variety, so range is something I find important. They play bass with ease - you can actually FEEL it - and higher tones come through with crystal clear clarity.
They come with a second set of foam ear pieces, which seem to be the same size, so no variety for those of us with different ear sizes, but good if we ruin a pair.
Cord is a decent length. It isn't already self split, so you do so yourself to a pre-measured mark. (I like the runner's earbuds, with the off-sided cords. Where one side is longer than the other to prevent the cord from beating against your chest while you are running. Koss is good about making those. This set does NOT have these. But, they are long enough that you can slip them behind you, which I do. Especially while exercising - or sleeping.)
They work fantastic in my iPod, in my tablet, in my computer, in my phone (but not with my phone case.) They sound great - cut the noise well (not great, but well). All in all, I'm very happy with my purchase. I like them a lot. I'd recommend them to anyone looking for a decent pair of earbuds at a great price. But, if you're looking for something with a lot of noise-isolation/cancellation, you might want to try something else.
I've been using Koss earbuds for years, so I'm familiar with them, and I highly recommend Koss brand.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 16, 2016
I also finally broke down and did what others suggested, and made my own 'seal' out of earplugs. I have a gazillion lying around, so I figured, why not? I simply took a small pair of pointy scissors, opened them up so that I was using only one blade, and (carefully) slid the earplug through to the end of the blade. It took quite a bit of pressure, but it slowly went through. Then, I took it off the blade, closed the blades, and then pushed the earplug through again, this time on both blades (closed). This time I needed to pull them out a bit to find the hole at end as I was pushing the blades through. It had closed right up and was hard to spot. After I pushed it through, I opened up the blades and held them there for a second or two, then I pulled the earplug off the scissors, and at the same time, I sorta turned it inside out, not all the way, but as much as possible.This was the only way that I could get it onto the end of the little rod that comes out of the earplugs. It bends easily and obviously I'm afraid of breaking it, or any of the tiny wires that may be inside. Once i got it on, I pushed it all the way through to the end, and very carefully snipped around the hole to make it fit well, but be slightly open for sound (Being careful not to cut the white rod.) Then, I inserted the earplug/bud and I find that it seals much better and it stays in my ears better. The size that it came with did work in my little ear canals, but they always felt like they were going to come out, and a gentle tug would pop them out. These fit much more snugly. The sound is impressive. Good bass.
---- ---- ----
Old Review
I have small ears, so shopping for earbuds can be a challenge. I'd read that you can squish these down, so I'd hoped that by being able to do so would help these earbuds to fit into the limited space of my ear canals. It did!
Like earplugs, you simply squish and roll these between your fingers and insert them into your ear canal. I find that if I tug back slightly on my ear while I am inserting the earbud (or plug), that it helps open up the already tight space and makes insertion a little bit easier. Like an earplug, they then re-expand and fill your ear canal, which is how they are held in place.
The upside to this is that it creates kind of a seal - or a noise barrier - isolating the noise of the outside world from entering in and bothering you - just like an ear plug. Unlike an ear plug, it does not create that perfect seal, so noise does get through.
The downside, like an earplug, it gets bothersome to have something inside your ear canal after awhile. Your ears get full and achy, and that achy feeling can persist for hours, even after you take the earbud out. But for some of us, it's worth it.
I would have loved to have had an inline volume control on them. I'd actually thought I was ordering a pair with the inline volume. I was looking at a bunch of earbuds, most of them by Koss, my go-to brand, and the one I thought I was going with had an in-line volume control. (Turns out that one was slightly more expensive than this one, so bonus for me.) I had ordered this one by accident, because I do not usually order earbuds without an in-line volume control. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I received these. I didn't send them back because I liked them so much. (I also found an in-line volume control that I can order as an add-on to these earbuds that I plan on ordering in the near future.)
The range on these is fantastic. My playlist cracks most people up by it's variety, so range is something I find important. They play bass with ease - you can actually FEEL it - and higher tones come through with crystal clear clarity.
They come with a second set of foam ear pieces, which seem to be the same size, so no variety for those of us with different ear sizes, but good if we ruin a pair.
Cord is a decent length. It isn't already self split, so you do so yourself to a pre-measured mark. (I like the runner's earbuds, with the off-sided cords. Where one side is longer than the other to prevent the cord from beating against your chest while you are running. Koss is good about making those. This set does NOT have these. But, they are long enough that you can slip them behind you, which I do. Especially while exercising - or sleeping.)
They work fantastic in my iPod, in my tablet, in my computer, in my phone (but not with my phone case.) They sound great - cut the noise well (not great, but well). All in all, I'm very happy with my purchase. I like them a lot. I'd recommend them to anyone looking for a decent pair of earbuds at a great price. But, if you're looking for something with a lot of noise-isolation/cancellation, you might want to try something else.
I've been using Koss earbuds for years, so I'm familiar with them, and I highly recommend Koss brand.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 2, 2023
Going into this, I saw the large number of perfect reviews that are glowing about these IEMs. So, I went in with somewhat high expectations. By the way, there is a big difference between "noise canceling" and "noise isolation". These are not "noise canceling", they are "noise isolating". Noise isolation is the blocking of sound by physical passive means, noise canceling is the actual active cancellation of sound, noise cancellation requires power and a microphone. All of the noise canceling headphones you see out there, basically play the "opposite sound" (its a little more complicated than that, but that is generally what it is) of all the sound around you, so it cancels the sound in your perception.
Those expectations were not met. But, that is not saying that these are not without merit.
Build quality:
well, these are as bargain basement as you get. Extra thin, lightweight wires. The plastic used is light, and somewhat cheap feeling, and the foam for the earpieces arent even uniform, there are rough spots on them. Its $10, so I didnt expect much, it gets the job done. Overall, acceptable.
Comfort:
Decent enough, the initial getting them in your ears is more work than most IEMS, since you have to squish down the foam before you jab them in your ears, then you will need to wait for the foam to re-expand to give you a good seal. Its light, the foam is pretty comfortable, you can easily wear these for hours, no problem. They are very lightweight, so you dont feel anything weighing you down. The foam tips are also the contact point with your ears, so the foam is able to take most of the cable rubbing noise you get from cables not designed to go over your ears. Overall, good.
Sound:
This is where it is a bit of mixed bag for me. Given the price point, I havent found anything at this level that is able to produce truly clear sound. The Plug is unfortunately the same as others at this price point when it comes to the sound quality, its grainy, glaringly so. My reference point will be the Moondrop Starship, a pair of $20 IEMs, the Starship is just $10 more, but its a whole league above The Plug when it comes to the resolution of the music it is able to produce. It is like comparing a relatively new LCD 1080p screen to an old 480p tube screen. Sure, the quality of the tube TV is great, for a tube TV, but it is objectively inferior, and somewhat of a pain to see when you are used to high-resolution, high-DPI screens. The sound signature is a heavy plain warm type, the bass is very strong, but thankfully, not so much that it completely drowns out everything else. The mids and the highs are slightly recessed. Precision is good, if low resolution. Sound stage is somewhat small as well, but it does exist to a decent degree. Overall, acceptable.
In the end, these are good, for their price point, but by no means is it actually great. if you need a noise-isolating pair of ultra light, ultra budget buds, then these will do well. However, if you are looking for actually good quality sound, you can ignore these. Koss makes the killer KPH30i that gives you $100-150 level sound for $30, and if you want an IEM, the Moondrop Starship at $20 blow these out of the water for just barely more.
Top reviews from other countries
The wire used for the product are like the thin free things you get in Economy class flights or European trains so it’s hard to pin point if it’s the earbuds or the wire that is the issue, but the overall sound signature is muddled. It sounds muffled and unclear, non of the sounds are distinct, they all blend into each other. Mids, treble are lacking, the bass goes low but lacks control. Aside from low bass they are little better than free buds.
They are clear and give good sound isolation. I tried to use them for normal daytime use but they fall out of my ears (as do other in ear plugs)
My Koss earbuds are also still going strong after five years of use, which says something about their durability.
Downsides: the cable is very long. I suppose this could be a good thing, depending on your point of view, but for me they keep snagging on things and getting pulled out of my ears. Also the foam earpieces will start to crumble and degrade over time. Not a big deal considering the cheapness of the earphones in the first place.
Highly recommended.
The Good points: Light, cheap and superb for rock music, you just need bass boost as they have the best treble response around! Classical and spoken are both nice and smooth. I'm lucky enough to have the right shape ears for them, and I've never had a problem with them falling out. The main plus point here is that with the right shaped ears, these really do shut out all extraneous sounds.
The bad points are the cable and connector. I've had these with both the straight and right angle connector, and neither are as durable as I'd like, usually lasting 9-12 months. The other thing I find really annoying is the feel of the cable. Originally is was silky smooth, but recent cables have been relatively sticky. Who care's, I hear you ask? The cable sticks to your clothes, and mine keep pulling the plugs out of my ears!
In all, though, these sound so good I won't give them up. They make commuting in London almost bearable.

































