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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prefer wireless convenience, better integration with Apple devices, and high-quality calls, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) would suit you, especially if you are frequently on the move or exercise with your earbuds, as they are sweatproof and offer quick charging with a wireless case. However, if you're on a budget and don't mind wires, the KZ ZSN Pro X earbuds are less expensive and offer a detachable cable feature which could be useful for longevity and replacement. The KZ earbuds might not match the AirPods in terms of mic quality and ease of use with Apple devices, but they are balanced audio capable, which could appeal if you prioritize sound quality for listening to music. 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 X
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
5.4
5.9
The KZ ZSN Pro X and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the KZ ZSN Pro X is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
7.6
3.1
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
4.7
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
TV and Video
5.5
7.3
The KZ ZSN Pro X is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The KZ ZSN Pro X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The KZ ZSN Pro X 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 X costs $24.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the KZ ZSN Pro X has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.1
7.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and KZ ZSN Pro X are both good for music.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the KZ ZSN Pro X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | KZ ZSN Pro X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $24 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | KZ | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | June 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 3.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4.2/10 | |
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 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 2.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 27 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
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 X
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | April 2023
"The KZ ZSN PRO X offers superb sound for very little money, like under $30 USD. It has some rough edges with a plastic seam on the cable that can rub on your ear, and the bud is a bit large. The tech isn't cutting edge, but new doesn't always equal better. You should try it."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the KZ ZSN Pro X
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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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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