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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are a more convenient choice for Apple users due to seamless integration and features like ear detection, but they're typically much more expensive. They also offer wireless charging and are highly portable. On the other hand, the KZ ZSN Pro, being more budget-friendly, deliver superior sound for gaming and TV with their lower latency and have a detachable cable which is good for durability. However, the ZSN Pro requires a physical connection as they aren't wireless. If microphone quality is important, the ZSN Pro has a better microphone. Choose Airpods for convenience and wireless use with Apple devices; choose ZSN Pro for gaming, superior sound, and cost savings. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic)
- Good for music
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.7
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
8.0
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
5.1
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
4.9
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is poor.
TV and Video
5.4
7.4
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is somewhat better.
Battery
4.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) does not have a battery.
Cost
$89
$24
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) costs $24.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $24 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | KZ | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | March 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | In-Line | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic)
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PrimeAudio
David Becker | 2019
"Undoubtedly the focus and the star of the show, the ZSN Pro’s bass is big, bold and bangin’. The amount of gusto in the low end should satisfy anyone who likes a large lick of bass and even certified bassheads will probably get a kick out of this."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic)
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
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Recommendations made
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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