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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica M50x offers higher overall sound quality, better construction, and is suitable for hi-fi music listening in quiet environments, but it's not optimal for air travel due to lower noise isolation. The KZ ZSN Pro is significantly less expensive, has a smaller and lighter build, and its earbuds design offers better noise isolation for air travel and exercise. However, it lacks the same level of sound quality and comfort for extended use. Neither choice includes wireless features or active noise canceling, so if those are important for your lifestyle, consider looking at other options. 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 Audio Technica M50x
- Very good for music
- Good for air travel
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the KZ ZSN Pro
- The KZ ZSN Pro has no clear advantages over the Audio Technica M50x.
Key differences
Music
8.5
7.7
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the KZ ZSN Pro is good.
Phone Calls
4.4
3.1
The Audio Technica M50x and KZ ZSN Pro are both poor for phone calls, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
4.9
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro is poor.
Cost
$149
$21
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the KZ ZSN Pro costs $21.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The KZ ZSN Pro has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.3
6.0
The Audio Technica M50x and KZ ZSN Pro are both only fair for gaming.
TV and Video
7.8
7.4
The Audio Technica M50x and KZ ZSN Pro are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.3
The Audio Technica M50x and KZ ZSN Pro are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the KZ ZSN Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | KZ ZSN Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $21 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | KZ | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | March 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 3.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica M50x
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
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 Audio Technica M50x or the KZ ZSN Pro
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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