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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prefer a straightforward plug-and-play solution that works well for calls and casual music listening, the Apple Earpods could be suitable given their very good mic quality and balanced performance across most audio content; they're also optimized for use with Apple devices. For activities like watching TV or gaming, their open enclosure might not isolate noise well. The KZ ZSN Pro X, however, offers better build quality and might be more engaging for music enthusiasts due to the dual driver type, but they lack in mic quality and might not be the best for calls. They have the advantage of a detachable cable, which could be useful if you're hard on your gear. Neither is particularly well-suited to exercise or noisy environments. If you have an Android device or require better isolation, the KZ ZSN Pro X may be preferable, but if you prioritize ease of use and frequent calls, especially with an Apple device, go with the Earpods. 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 X
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8
7.0
The Apple Earpods and KZ ZSN Pro X are both good for music, though the Apple Earpods is somewhat better.
Gaming
8.3
5.9
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
3.1
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
4.7
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The KZ ZSN Pro X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Cost
$20
$24
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the KZ ZSN Pro X costs $24.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The KZ ZSN Pro X has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.4
7.3
The Apple Earpods and KZ ZSN Pro X are both good for TV and video.
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How the Apple Earpods and the KZ ZSN Pro X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | KZ ZSN Pro X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $24 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | KZ | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | June 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 3.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 2.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 27 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 X
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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 Earpods 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.
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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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