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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize wireless convenience and tight integration with other Apple devices, especially for exercising and air travel, the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) would be a better fit as they offer higher ease of use and portability with features like ear detection and wireless charging. However, for a more budget-friendly option that still delivers good overall sound quality, the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is a solid choice. These wired earbuds are known to score better for gaming and TV due to lower latency inherent in wired connections. The KZ ZSN Pro also has a detachable cable, which can be advantageous for durability and maintenance. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic)
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
7.7
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for music, though the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is somewhat better.
Gaming
5.4
8.0
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
5.1
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
4.9
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is poor.
TV and Video
5.5
7.4
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is somewhat better.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) does not have a battery.
Cost
$179
$24
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) costs $24.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $24 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | KZ | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | March 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | In-Line | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
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."
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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.
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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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