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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Earpods may be the better option if you prioritize comfort, built-in microphone quality for calls and meetings, and if you need a compact option that's easy to carry around and use on the go. However, due to their open form factor, they won't block out much ambient noise, which can be a disadvantage in noisy environments. On the other hand, the KZ ZSN Pro, while typically a bit pricier, offers a slightly superior overall sound quality and better noise isolation with its closed design, making them more suitable if you prefer a more immersive listening experience in a variety of surroundings. The KZ ZSN Pro also come with a detachable cable and larger earbud size, which you might find more durable but potentially less portable and convenient compared to the smaller, non-detachable cable design of the Earpods. Keep in mind that the KZ ZSN Pro doesn't feature a built-in microphone, so they wouldn't be the best choice for frequent calls or virtual meetings. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the KZ ZSN Pro
- The KZ ZSN Pro has no clear advantages over the Apple Earpods.
Key differences
Gaming
8.3
6.0
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the KZ ZSN Pro is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.0
3.1
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the KZ ZSN Pro is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
4.9
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The KZ ZSN Pro and Apple Earpods are both poor for noise reduction, though the KZ ZSN Pro is somewhat better.
Cost
$20
$25
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the KZ ZSN Pro costs $25.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The KZ ZSN Pro has excellent build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
7.7
The Apple Earpods and KZ ZSN Pro are both good for music.
TV and Video
7.4
7.4
The KZ ZSN Pro and Apple Earpods are both good for TV and video.
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How the Apple Earpods and the KZ ZSN Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | KZ ZSN Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $25 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | KZ | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | March 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 3.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
KZ ZSN Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Earpods or the KZ ZSN Pro
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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