Punch Audio Portazo Review

Punch Audio

When a distributor like Linsoul launches a new in-house brand, audiophiles pay attention. Punch Audio entered the scene in 2024 with the Martilo, a basshead-focused hybrid IEM that made serious waves in the $300 price bracket. Now, they're back with the Portazo—a more affordable, more compact sibling designed to bring that same bass-forward philosophy to the sub-$200 market.

Meet the Portazo

At $189, the Punch Audio Portazo is a hybrid in-ear monitor featuring a driver configuration of one dynamic driver paired with two micro-planar magnetic drivers. The Portazo is tuned with a massive 15dB bass boost, making these a fun, very bass-forward pair of in-ears. Punch Audio states that the Portazo is perfect for genres like hip-hop, pop, and EDM.

Released in late 2025, the Portazo represents Punch Audio's second act, and it's clear they've learned from their first outing. While the Martilo established the brand's credentials with deep sub-bass and technical prowess, the Portazo aims to be the everyday carry option—faster, more aggressive, and more accessible for bassheads who don't want to compromise on sound quality.

Unboxing

What's in the Box?

• 1 x Punch Audio Portazo
• 1 x 4 Core OFC Wire Cable
• Modular 3.4mm / 4.5mm Termination
• 3 x Silicone Eartips (S/M/L)
• 3 x Foam Tips (S/M/L)
• Carrying Case

Build Quality and Design

Every Portazo unit is hand-assembled, and it shows. The shells are crafted from medical-grade resin with an ergonomic shape that sits comfortably in most ears. But the real showstopper is the faceplate—an emerald green resin finish with translucent qualities that reveal internal patterns depending on lighting conditions and viewing angles. No two units look exactly alike, giving each Portazo a one-of-a-kind aesthetic that's both distinctive and classy.

The build feels premium throughout. The resin construction keeps the weight minimal while maintaining durability. These look and feel good when held and show no noticeable build quality defects.

The Portazo has a 1 DD + 2 Planar Driver Configuration–the dynamic driver handles the low end with a composite diaphragm made from liquid silicone and liquid crystal polymer, while the dual planar tweeters take care of the upper frequencies.

The cable and case included here both feel sturdy and have a dark aesthetic that contrasts nicely with the bright green of the shells. For an under $200 IEM, I think Punch Audio gives a generous amount of accessories, and this is one of the more fun IEMs to unbox in the price range.

Sound Quality

This is my first experience with Punch Audio, and they are by far the bassist headphones I own. As you can see on the graph above, the Portazo follows the same tuning philosophy of the Martillo, with a V-shape tuning that emphasizes bass and treble while keeping the midrange mostly neutral.

Bass

The Portazo is tuned for bass lovers. With a 15dB sub-bass output, this IEM delivers punishingly powerful bass slam that you don't just hear—you feel it. But here's where things get interesting: unlike many basshead IEMs that just crank up the lows and call it a day, the Portazo uses a precisely engineered composite diaphragm to maintain control.

The sub-bass extension is deep and physical, perfect for electronic music, hip-hop, and EDM where that visceral rumble adds to the experience. Mid-bass has good punch and speed. There's also a notable thickness to the low end that really creates a sense of warmth and body.

The driver crossover is also very well implemented, the bass-shelf drops off cleanly enough that it doesn't muddy the midrange excessively—despite the massive boost to bass response, the Portazo has a surprising level of detail and clarity.

Mids

The midrange on the Portazo leans warm and full-bodied, with a presentation that feels more expansive than I expected going into the first listen. Male vocals benefit from the elevated lower mids, gaining body and richness without sounding completely buried. Female vocals fare slightly better thanks to a lift in the upper midrange, coming across more forward and brilliant.

However, this is clearly a V-shaped signature, so the mids do take a backseat to the bass and treble. On busy mixes with multiple instruments competing for attention, the slightly recessed upper mids can feel a little shadowed by the louder bass response. Although with that being said, the mids felt clearer and more upfront than I had expected compared to many other bass-forward headphones that I've heard. Overall, the mids remain coherent and musical. Instruments have good timbre, and there's enough transparency to appreciate the details in well-recorded tracks.

Treble

The dual micro-planar drivers handle the treble duties, and they bring speed and air to the upper frequencies. The treble is extended enough to provide good soundstage headroom and prevent the IEM from sounding dark or closed-in. There's sparkle and brilliance here, with good detail retrieval and spatial layering.

However, the treble isn't without quirks. During some rougher mixed tracks, I did notice some sibilance in the upper frequencies that could be fatiguing in longer listening sessions, but having less sensitive ears, I did not find this to be a problem. The treble doesn't contribute much to "brilliance" in the classical sense—it's more about providing air and preventing the bass-heavy signature from feeling stuffy. There's a controlled smoothness that eliminates major sibilance for most tracks, but certain recordings with hot treble mixes might bring out some harshness.

Fortunately, the treble remains consistently smooth without major peaks, avoiding the piercing quality that some spicier IEM tunings can have.

Technical Performance

Timbre on the Portazo is generally natural and there is a good sense of realism on the instruments.

The soundstage impressed me during my first impression and certainly feels larger than average for a bass-focused IEM, with decent width and good depth. The bass projection helps create a sense of space, and imaging is surprisingly precise despite the aggressive bassiness. Instrument separation holds up well on moderately complex tracks, though the thicker low-end can slightly compress layering when things get really busy.

Technical performance is good for the price. The Portazo delivers impressive detail retrieval, particularly in the treble region where the planar drivers flex their muscles. Macrodynamics are strong with good punch and slam, while microdynamics reveal subtle textures in well-recorded material.

Comfort and Isolation

Ergonomics are a high point for the Portazo. The resin shells are lightweight and well-contoured, fitting naturally in most ears without pressure points. The nozzle length and angle promote a secure seal with the included silicone tips, and the lightweight construction means you can wear these for hours without fatigue.

Passive noise isolation is very good—sufficient for travel and home use. The seal is excellent with the stock tips, though tip-rolling can fine-tune both fit and sound to your preferences. There's no driver flex or air pressure buildup, which are common complaints with some hybrid designs.

For commuters, gym-goers, or anyone who needs IEMs they can wear all day, the Portazo delivers. The combination of lightweight, ergonomic shaping, and good isolation makes these easy to forget you're wearing—always a good sign.

Comparisons

vs. Simgot SuperMix 4 ($149)

The SuperMix 4 is a quad-driver hybrid with a Harman-inspired tuning that's more balanced than the Portazo. The SuperMix offers better treble refinement, wider soundstage, and superior imaging precision, making it excellent for gaming and spatial audio. However, the Portazo delivers significantly more bass impact and a more fun, engaging signature for bass-heavy genres. If you want technical excellence with versatility, go SuperMix 4. If you want to feel your music with physical bass impact, the Portazo wins.

vs. Kiwi Ears Quartet ($109)

The Quartet is a true basshead IEM with dual isobaric dynamic drivers and switchable tuning options. It delivers powerful bass at a lower price, with excellent comfort and a fun sound signature. However, the Portazo has better treble extension and detail retrieval thanks to its planar drivers, plus superior build quality with the handcrafted resin shells. The Quartet is darker overall with less treble sparkle, while the Portazo offers a more open, airy presentation. Both are excellent for bass lovers, but the Portazo feels like the more refined, mature option.

vs. Punch Audio Martilo ($329)

The Martilo is the Portazo's bigger, more expensive sibling with a 5-driver configuration (2DD + 2BA + 1 planar). The Martilo offers deeper sub-bass extension, better midrange accuracy with its Knowles balanced armatures, and superior technical performance overall. However, the Portazo is more compact, easier to drive, and delivers a faster, more aggressive sound that some will prefer for daily use. The Martilo is the flagship experience with better refinement, while the Portazo is the everyday warrior that's more practical and offers comparable performance for $140 less.

The Verdict

The Punch Audio Portazo delivers exactly what it promises: powerful, physical bass combined with enough technical prowess to keep the rest of the frequency spectrum interesting. It's not trying to be a neutral reference monitor, and it shouldn't be judged as one. This is an IEM designed for fun—for listeners who want to feel their music, not just analyze it.

At $189, the Portazo represents excellent value in the bass-forward IEM market. The build quality is impressive, the accessory package is complete, and the sound signature delivers engaging bass while keeping impressive clarity. It's not perfect—the slightly recessed mids and occasional treble firmness won't appeal to everyone—but for the target audience of bassheads who still care about quality, this is a compelling package.

Who should buy the Portazo? If you're into EDM, hip-hop, pop, or electronic music, this IEM will make your library come alive. If you want an everyday IEM that's comfortable, well-built, and emotionally engaging, this fits the bill.

While the Portazo is exciting to listen to, if you primarily listen to music that doesn't have a lot of bass, then the Portazo won't be suited for you.

The Portazo proves that Punch Audio isn't just a one-hit wonder. They've refined their approach, created a more accessible product, and delivered value in a crowded market. It's not the last word in technical excellence, but it's an addictively fun listen that invites you to turn up the volume and just enjoy the music. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.

Technical Specifications

• Driver Configuration: 1 dynamic driver + 2 micro-planar magnetic drivers
• Dynamic Driver: Composite diaphragm (liquid silicone suspension ring + liquid crystal polymer dome)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Impedance: 10Ω
• Sensitivity: 102dB @ 1kHz
• Cable: Detachable 2-pin 0.78mm, 4-core oxygen-free copper
• Cable Length: Approximately 125cm
• Connectors: Modular system with 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced plugs included
• Shell Material: Medical-grade resin with emerald green translucent faceplate
• Weight: Lightweight (specific weight not disclosed)
• Price: $189 USD
• Warranty: 1 year on IEMs, 3 months on cable
• Included Accessories: 3 pairs silicone tips, 3 pairs foam tips, modular cable with dual terminations, leather-textured carrying case, replacement nozzle filters