The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you prioritize wireless convenience, active noise cancelling for focused listening, and overall better build and sound quality, the Apple Airpods Max are worth the higher cost; however, be mindful that game or video enthusiasts may experience latency issues. For budget-conscious buyers who need cabled earbuds with a decent sound and are not seeking advanced features like a mic for calls, sweatproof certification, or an accompanying app, the KZ ZSN Pro X offers a good value. Choose the Airpods Max for a premium, feature-rich experience, or the ZSN Pro X for affordability and simplicity. 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 Max
Excellent for air travel
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the KZ ZSN Pro X
Good for TV and video
Key differences
Phone Calls
6.6/10
3.1/10
The Apple Airpods Max is only fair for phone calls, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0/10
4.7/10
The Apple Airpods Max is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
TV and Video
5.7/10
7.3/10
The KZ ZSN Pro X is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0/10
6.0/10
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is only fair.
Battery
21.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The KZ ZSN Pro X does not have a battery.
Cost
$549
$24
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the KZ ZSN Pro X costs $24.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.5/10
The Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality, while the KZ ZSN Pro X has very good build quality.
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
"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 Max 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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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.