Koss CL-20i

Koss CL-20i – Clear on-ear with OneTouch mic

Koss CL-20i is a clear-shell on-ear wired headphone with leatherette pads, 30 Hz – 20,000 Hz response, 60 Ω impedance, and 103 dB SPL/1 mW sensitivity. It uses a ~1.8 m (6 ft) cable with a 3.5 mm jack and OneTouch Microphone + Remote inline for calls and playback. Retro transparent styling, deep bass and crisp highs per Koss tuning – ideal for daily music and phone calls in the Koss clear line.

Compare with Koss CL-5i or browse headphones at District M.

At a glance

Introduction

Koss CL-20i stands out in Koss’s clear lineup with transparent plastic that shows the driver inside, evoking 1980s-90s retro style. Beyond music listening, it doubles as a personality piece when the internal structure is on display.

The CL-20i adds OneTouch mic and remote on the cable for answering calls, play/pause, and track skip without reaching for your phone. Versus CL-5i in the same family, CL-20i reaches lower bass (30 Hz), uses 60 Ω impedance, and higher sensitivity (103 dB SPL/1 mW).

1. Clear retro on-ear design

1.1. Transparent shell

Clear ear cups and housing expose the driver and frame – unlike most closed black headphones, suited to modern vintage taste.

1.2. On-ear with leatherette pads

On-ear fit is more compact than over-ear for bags and commutes. Soft leatherette pads and an adjustable headband stay comfortable for work, study, or travel.

1.3. Lightweight build

Koss describes the construction as lightweight and durable – fine for long movie sessions, music, or video calls.

2. Sound – The Sound of Koss

2.1. 30 Hz – 20 kHz range

The 30 Hz – 20,000 Hz span is wider than CL-5i (from 60 Hz), helping sub-bass and harmonics in wired on-ears. Koss emphasizes deep bass and crisp highs.

2.2. 60 Ω and 103 dB SPL/1 mW

60 Ω is higher than CL-5i (32 Ω) but still works with smartphones and laptops thanks to 103 dB SPL/1 mW sensitivity. Weak sources may need slightly higher volume than 32 Ω models.

2.3. Genre notes

• Bass: deeper than CL-5i with 30 Hz extension; suits pop, rock, light hip-hop.
• Mid: vocals and guitar stay clear; good for podcasts and calls.
• Treble: crisp per Koss tuning, generally easy for long sessions.

3. OneTouch Mic + Remote

• Answer / end calls.
• Play / pause and track skip.
• Volume (when the device supports CTIA).

The inline mic suits voice calls and short online meetings; recording quality depends on environment and app.

4. Connectivity

• 3.5 mm jack for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and handheld consoles with a headphone port.
• iPhone without jack: use Lightning or USB-C adapter.
• Wired only – no Bluetooth.

5. CL-20i vs CL-5i and CL-20

Choose CL-20i for deeper bass than CL-5i plus inline mic. Choose CL-5i if you prefer lower impedance (32 Ω) for weak phone outputs. Choose CL-20 for music only without calls.

6. CL-20i and Porta Pro

Porta Pro is Koss’s foldable open-air legend with warm signature sound. CL-20i targets clear retro looks with built-in OneTouch for daily calls and music on one wired headphone.

7. Use cases

• Music, films, wired gaming.
• Phone calls and online meetings via inline mic.
• Remote study and work.
• Travel: compact on-ear, 1.8 m cable.

8. Who should buy?

• Listeners who like transparent retro design.
• Anyone who needs mic and remote on the cable.
• Those wanting 30 Hz bass extension over CL-5i.
• Students, office workers, remote workers.

Not ideal if you need ANC, Bluetooth, or sealed over-ear isolation.

FAQ

Conclusion

Koss CL-20i combines clear retro looks, handy OneTouch calling, and a 30 Hz – 20 kHz range at 60 Ω. It is a step up from CL-5i if you want deeper bass and higher sensitivity while keeping Koss’s transparent style. Contact District M to compare CL-20i, CL-5i, and adapters for your phone.