Ported vs. Sealed box is comparing a "boom" to a "rumble". Ported boxes are much easier to build because they are less critical of physical size and construction method. The result is a louder sound for a given amount of power. The downside is that you also hear some of the standing waves and the port can only be tuned for one optimal bandwidth peak, so certain frequencies are considerably louder than others. The port is tuned to be a sort of compromise. Sealed boxes will create just as much bass as a ported box, but without the loudness. You'll still get the rumble and kick in the gut, but you wont' hear the "boominess".