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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prefer a more balanced and detailed sound with better build quality and don’t mind slightly higher cost, the KZ ZSN Pro with Mic could be the choice for you. However, if you prioritize comfort, call quality, and convenience for use during exercise or portability, along with a somewhat lower price, you may lean towards the Apple Earpods. Keep in mind, the Apple Earpods are designed for open listening with less noise isolation, while the KZ ZSN Pro offers closed isolation which can be better for noisy environments. The KZ ZSN Pro also has a detachable cable and larger earbud size, which may affect your decision based on preference of fit and durability. 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
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic)
- The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) has no clear advantages over the Apple Earpods.
Key differences
Phone Calls
8.0
5.1
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
4.9
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) and Apple Earpods are both poor for noise reduction, though the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is somewhat better.
Cost
$20
$24
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) costs $24.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) 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 (with Mic) are both good for music.
Gaming
8.3
8.0
The Apple Earpods and KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) are both very good for gaming.
TV and Video
7.4
7.4
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) and Apple Earpods are both good for TV and video.
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How the Apple Earpods and the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $24 | ||
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 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 8/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
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 | In-Line | |
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 (with Mic)
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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 (with Mic)
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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