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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 offer overall better sound quality, noise isolation, and comfort with the convenience of being wireless, plus they have features like active noise cancelling, app customization, and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices. They are designed for a variety of use cases including air travel and exercise, but have a slightly lower battery life. On the other hand, the KZ ZSN Pro, while less comfortable and without wireless capability or a microphone, offers a detachable cable, which can be a distinct advantage for durability and replaceability. They are a more budget-friendly choice with good build quality. If you prioritize higher sound quality and a range of features in a wireless form, the Pi5 S2 is suitable, whereas the ZSN Pro is better for those looking for a solid, wired option without the extra features at a lower price point. 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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the KZ ZSN Pro
- Good for music
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.7
7.7
The KZ ZSN Pro is good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is only fair.
Gaming
5.3
6.0
The KZ ZSN Pro is only fair for gaming, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Phone Calls
5.0
3.1
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and KZ ZSN Pro are both poor for phone calls, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
4.9
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and KZ ZSN Pro are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.6
7.4
The KZ ZSN Pro is good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3
5.3
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the KZ ZSN Pro is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The KZ ZSN Pro does not have a battery.
Cost
$149
$25
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has a price of $149 and the KZ ZSN Pro costs $25.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.9
9.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers KZ ZSN Pro to have excellent build quality, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and the KZ ZSN Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 | KZ ZSN Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $25 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | KZ | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | March 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 3.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.75 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 19 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
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Dig into reviews and images
Major HiFi
Chris Golembeski | January 2023
"Bowers and Wilkins isn’t looking to make an obscure, premium wireless bud catered specifically towards audiophiles. Instead, it seems apparent that they’re going for the crown: a cool and popular look, an easy and comfortable fit, and an engaging stage with a great balance that is perfectly suited for mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike."
KZ ZSN Pro
See more
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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 or the KZ ZSN Pro
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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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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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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