The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize wireless convenience, active noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple devices, go for the AirPods Pro; they're great for calls, meetings, and air travel due to excellent noise isolation. However, the KZ ZSN Pro X is more budget-friendly and features a detachable cable and driver versatility, suitable for wired listening and a good music experience, but lacks the advanced features of the AirPods, such as noise cancellation and wireless charging. The KZ is more durable with a more secure fit due to cable ear hooks, but has lower mic quality, making it less ideal for calls. 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 Pro
Good for phone calls
Excellent for air travel
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the KZ ZSN Pro X
Good for music
Good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
5.1/10
5.9/10
The KZ ZSN Pro X and Apple Airpods Pro are both poor for gaming, though the KZ ZSN Pro X is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
7.4/10
3.1/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3/10
4.7/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 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 Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
6.0/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is only fair.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The KZ ZSN Pro X does not have a battery.
Cost
$260
$24
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the KZ ZSN Pro X costs $24.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro has excellent build quality, while the KZ ZSN Pro X has very good build quality.
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
"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 Pro 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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
124,100
Recommendations made
18,615
Consumer hours saved
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.