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Updated January 10, 2024·
As you consider your purchase between the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and the KZ ZSN Pro with Mic, it's important to weigh the differences in price and features. The Bowers and Wilkins model may offer you superior sound quality and possibly more advanced noise-cancelling capabilities, catering to those seeking a premium listening experience and are willing to invest more. However, if you're seeking value and practicality, and if having an integrated microphone is crucial for your use – for calls or gaming perhaps – the KZ ZSN Pro provides a budget-friendly option with the key feature of a mic without necessarily matching the sound excellence of its higher-priced competitor. 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 (with Mic)
Good for music
Very good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.7/10
7.7/10
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is only fair.
Gaming
5.3/10
8.0/10
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is very good for gaming, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6/10
4.9/10
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.6/10
7.4/10
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3/10
5.3/10
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) does not have a battery.
Cost
$149
$24
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has a price of $149 and the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) costs $24.
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
8.9/10
9.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) 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 (with Mic) compare to other earbuds and headphones
"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."
"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 (with Mic)
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
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.
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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.