What Koss Corporation does

Koss Corporation is a Milwaukee-headquartered, NASDAQ-listed (ticker KOSS) manufacturer of high-fidelity headphones and audio equipment founded in 1958 by John C. Koss, who invented the world's first SP/3 Stereophone. The product portfolio spans wireless Bluetooth headphones (Porta Pro Wireless, KPH30 Wireless, KPH40/Retro), the modular Utility Series with detachable USB-C/Bluetooth/3.5mm connectivity, professional studio headphones (Pro4S at $149.99), electrostatic audiophile systems (ESP/95X), noise-cancelling and gaming headsets, and specialized education headphones. The company also operates the Koss Classic Label, a small audiophile CD recording imprint, and offers OEM/ODM custom manufacturing services. Distribution is multi-channel: DTC through koss.com (now approximately 25% of sales and the largest segment at 23% YoY growth), Amazon, domestic mass retail, B2B education and enterprise sales, OEM/ODM, and international distributors across the Czech Republic, Sweden, Canada, Korea, Belgium, and Malaysia.

The revenue model is essentially hardware unit sales, with average pricing in the sub-$150 range for most SKUs, education channel discounts of 15% via the SCHOOL15 code, and newsletter-driven 15% first-order incentives. Koss is family-controlled (Michael J. Koss serves as Chairman and CEO; Michael J. Koss Jr. was promoted to EVP in late 2025), with institutional ownership at approximately 6.2% — notably below the 53.7% sector average for Household Durables peers. The company operates a No-Questions-Asked Lifetime Limited Warranty on stereophones as a brand and retention lever.

Financially, Koss reported $12.6M of revenue in FY2025 and $9.76M in the first nine months of FY2026 (+2.3% YoY), making it a sub-$15M business. The company is currently unprofitable, posting a $868K net loss YTD versus a $642K loss in the prior-year period, with gross margin compressed by 290 basis points to 35.5% due to 145% tariffs on China-manufactured inventory. The March 2026 hiring of Megan Brobson as Director of Acquisitions and Corporate Development, combined with a stated $2-4M EBITDA acquisition target range, signals an explicit diversification push beyond the core headphone business.

Name

Koss Corporation

Legal name

Koss Corporation

Website

https://koss.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Koss Corporation is a Milwaukee-based, publicly traded (NASDAQ: KOSS) manufacturer of high-fidelity headphones and audio equipment founded in 1958. It sells consumer, professional, and education headphones through DTC, distributors, retail, and OEM/ODM channels across multiple continents.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Consumer Audio Electronics

NAICS

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431), Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (3343), Electronics and Appliance Retailers (4492)

SIC

Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651), Phonograph Records & Prerecorded Audio Tapes & Disks (3652), Retail-Radio, Tv & Consumer Electronics Stores (5731), Wholesale-Electrical Appliances, Tv & Radio Sets (5064)

akta.pro primary industry

Headphones & Personal Audio Retail (Earbuds, ANC, DACs) (CRACAEAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hearables (True Wireless Earbuds & Smart Headphones) (CRACAIAD), Wireless Headphones (Over‑Ear & On‑Ear) (CRACANAB), Wired Headphones & Earphones (CRACANAC), Bluetooth & Portable Speakers (CRACANAE), Audio Accessories (Ear Tips, Cables, Stands, Cases, Transmitters) (CRACANAM)

Keywords

• High-fidelity headphones
• Wireless bluetooth audio
• Professional studio headphones
• Consumer audio electronics
• OEM headphone manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Milwaukee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Headphone and Audio Product Sales: Koss generates revenue primarily through the sale of high-fidelity headphones, wireless Bluetooth speakers, computer headsets, telecommunications headsets, active noise canceling headphones, and wireless headphones. The company sells directly to consumers through koss.com and through B2B channels including education, distributors, and retailers.
2. Koss Classics Label: Sale of digital audiophile compact disc recordings of American orchestras on the Koss Classics Label
3. OEM/ODM and Custom Products: Custom headphone manufacturing services for OEM and ODM customers

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Koss Corporation designs, manufactures, and sells high-fidelity headphones and audio equipment under the Koss Stereophones brand. Its product range spans wireless Bluetooth headphones, the Utility Series with interchangeable connectivity, professional studio reference headphones (Pro4S), electrostatic audiophile systems, gaming and communication headsets, and education-focused headphones. The company sells directly to consumers through koss.com and through retail, distributor, education, and OEM/ODM custom-manufacturing channels, and additionally distributes digital audiophile recordings under the Koss Classic Label.

Product overview

Koss Corporation operates as a high-fidelity headphone and audio equipment company under the Koss Stereophones brand. The product portfolio centers on headphones organized into several categories: wireless Bluetooth headphones (including KPH30 Wireless, KPH40/Retro, Porta Pro Wireless), the Utility Series with detachable cord systems for multiple device connectivity, professional studio headphones (Pro4S), electrostatic headphones for audiophiles (ESP/95X), and specialized lines for education and gaming. The company also offers accessories including 3D print-ready designs, ear cushions, cases, and adapters. A notable diversification is the Koss Classic Label, which produces digital audiophile compact disc recordings of American orchestras. The company was founded in 1958 by John C. Koss, who invented the world's first SP/3 Stereophone that year, establishing Koss as the original American stereophone company. The products range from budget-friendly earbuds to premium electrostatic systems, serving consumers, professionals, and educational institutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• A/550 (A550) Premium Over-Ear Headphone Premium over-ear headphone with magnetically attached cushions and high-fidelity audio performance, sold direct-to-consumer and through retail partners.
• KPH30 Wireless Bluetooth Headphone Wireless Bluetooth on-ear headphone available in multiple colorways including Orbital White, offered to consumers.
• KPH40/Retro Headphone High-fidelity audio headphone with retro styling and design, targeted at consumer audiophiles.
• Porta Pro Wireless Headphone Iconic Koss headphone reissued in wireless Bluetooth form with 20+ hours battery life and built-in audio controls, available in three colors.
• Koss Utility Series Headphones Headphone line featuring a detachable cord system allowing users to swap between USB-C, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm connections.
• Education Headphones Headphones designed for educational settings with volume limiting and durability features for schools, students, and learning environments.
• Active Noise Cancelling Headphones Headphones with active noise cancellation technology for consumers and travelers.
• Electrostatic Headphones (ESP/95X System) Premium electrostatic headphones including the ESP/95X system delivering audiophile-grade sound reproduction.
• Gaming Headsets Headsets designed for gaming with audio features tailored to gaming experiences.
• Communication Headsets Headsets for communication and business use, including computer and telecommunications headsets.
• Wireless Communication Headsets Wireless headsets for professional communication and contact-center use cases.
• Pro4S Studio Headphone Professional studio reference headphone with SLX40 element, D-profile earcup, aluminum construction, memory foam cushions, and dual-choice detachable cord; priced at $149.99.
• KEB40 Insider Earbud Headphones Compact micro in-ear monitor with aluminum capsule housing, 9mm dynamic drivers (15-20,000 Hz frequency response), isolation ring, three sizes of silicone cushions, and cord-slider; covered under Koss No-Questions-Asked Lifetime Limited Warranty.
• BT540i Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Premium wireless Bluetooth headphones for consumer audiophiles.
• BTS1 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker Portable wireless Bluetooth speaker for consumer audio use.
• SP Series Headphones Evolutionary SP Series stereophones returning to the basics of personal listening with a focus on core audio quality.
• Tony Bennett Signature Edition Stereophone Commemorative signature headphone with pivoting earcups, padded headband, carrying case, deep bass response, and noise isolation.
• Koss Fit Series Headphones Headphone line designed specifically for women, developed by women, launched May 2013.
• Headphone Accessories Adapters, cords, cases, ear cushions, record wall racks, and other accessories supporting Koss headphones.
• 3D Print-Ready Accessories Free downloadable 3D print files for headphone stands, docks, and accessories.
• OEM, ODM & Custom Headphone Manufacturing Custom headphone manufacturing services for OEM and ODM customers seeking customized audio products.
• Koss Classic Label Audiophile Recordings Digital audiophile compact disc recordings of American orchestras released on the Koss Classic Label.

Quantifiable outcome

• Direct-to-consumer sales grew 23% year-over-year and now constitute the Company's largest segment
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• MassdropminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2019Koss collaborated with Massdrop to develop and launch the Massdrop x Koss ESP/95X Electrostatic Stereo Headphone System, a premium product developed through co-development partnership targeting the enthusiast audio market.
• Music & MemoryminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 December 2014Koss partnered with Music & Memory for #GivingTuesday 2014, providing headphones used in all 950 Music & Memory certified facilities that pair dementia and Alzheimer's patients with personalized iPods. Koss issued a challenge grant to support the #GivingTunesDay social media campaign.
• Mossy OakminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 July 2012Koss partnered with Mossy Oak brand camouflage for a line of branded headphones targeting outdoor and hunting enthusiasts.
• Dara TorresminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 June 2012Koss partnered with five-time Olympian and 12-time Olympic medalist Dara Torres for product endorsement and marketing activities.
• International Distributors (Czech Republic, Sweden, Canada, Korea, Belgium, Malaysia)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKoss operates through international distribution partners across Czech Republic, Sweden, Canada, Korea, Belgium, and Malaysia for regional sales and market coverage.
• OEM/ODM CustomersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKoss offers OEM, ODM & Custom headphone manufacturing services for customers seeking customized audio products.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• JBL (Harman International): Broad incumbent in consumer audio with headphones and Bluetooth speakers directly comparable to Koss's BTS1 and wireless headphone lines; owned by Samsung/Harman with far greater scale.
• Bose Corporation: Broad incumbent in consumer audio with overlapping headphone and Bluetooth speaker categories; competes with Koss in noise-cancelling and consumer wireless segments but operates at much larger scale with broader portfolio.
• Beats by Dre (Apple): Broad incumbent in consumer wireless headphones and earbuds; competes with Koss in lifestyle audio at premium price points with significantly larger brand spend and Apple ecosystem integration.
• Sony (audio division): Broad incumbent with major consumer headphone business spanning wireless, noise-cancelling, and gaming segments that directly overlap Koss's portfolio; competes with vastly larger R&D and marketing budgets.

Direct peers

• Plantronics / Poly: Direct peer in communication headsets for enterprise/call-center use, directly comparable to Koss Communications subsidiary's telecommunications headset line.
• Grado Labs: Direct peer in premium/audiophile headphones, family-owned American heritage brand with similar boutique positioning and emphasis on sound quality craftsmanship targeting niche enthusiast customers.
• Audio-Technica: Direct peer offering headphones across consumer and professional/studio segments, with comparable audiophile positioning and product lines spanning wired and wireless headphones similar to Koss's portfolio.
• AKG (Harman): Direct peer in studio and consumer headphones with comparable professional monitoring offerings like Koss's Pro4S, sharing the same B2B/pro-audio customer base.
• Sennheiser (consumer division): Direct peer in consumer and audiophile headphones with comparable product breadth across wired, wireless, and studio categories; competes head-to-head with Koss in the high-fidelity personal audio segment.
• Skullcandy: Direct peer competing in consumer headphones and wireless earbuds at accessible price points; recent counterparty in Koss's dismissed patent litigation, indicating overlapping product categories and target customers.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/KossHeadphones
• Facebookfacebook.com/Koss
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/koss

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Koss Corporation