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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prefer over-ear headphones that offer very good overall sound quality and are suitable for mixing and critical listening, the Audio Technica M50x would be the better choice; keep in mind they're wired and don't feature a microphone for calls. The KZ ZSN Pro X earbuds are more budget-friendly, also offering good sound, and are easier to carry around due to their small size and earbud form factor, but they lack active noise cancelling and may not be as comfortable for long listening sessions. The M50x are better suited for indoor use and focus on audio fidelity, while the ZSN Pro X might be better for casual listening and portability. 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 podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the KZ ZSN Pro X
- The KZ ZSN Pro X has no clear advantages over the Audio Technica M50x.
Key differences
Music
8.5
7.0
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is good.
Phone Calls
4.4
3.1
The Audio Technica M50x and KZ ZSN Pro X are both poor for phone calls, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
4.7
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
7.3
The Audio Technica M50x and KZ ZSN Pro X are both good for TV and video, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
5.3
6.0
The KZ ZSN Pro X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Cost
$149
$22
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the KZ ZSN Pro X costs $22.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.3
5.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audio Technica M50x to be only fair for gaming, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x and KZ ZSN Pro X both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the KZ ZSN Pro X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | KZ ZSN Pro X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $22 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | KZ | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | June 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 3.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 2.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 27 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 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 Audio Technica M50x or the KZ ZSN Pro X
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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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
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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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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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