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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Etymotic ER2SE offers superior overall sound quality compared to the KZ ZSN Pro and excels in noise isolation, making it a strong choice for environments where you want to block out surrounding noises. However, the Etymotics may not be as comfortable for everyone due to their deep-insert design, and they're less suitable for exercise due to a lower score in that area. On the other hand, the KZ ZSN Pro, while not matching the Etymotic's sound quality, offers better comfort and is significantly more affordable, making it a compelling option if you're on a budget and prefer a more comfortable fit for extended use. Neither model features a microphone or built-in controls, which may affect your decision if you need these features for calls or easy accessibility. 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 Etymotic ER2SE
- Very good for music
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the KZ ZSN Pro
- The KZ ZSN Pro has no clear advantages over the Etymotic ER2SE.
Key differences
Music
8.8
7.7
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the KZ ZSN Pro is good.
Phone Calls
4.9
3.1
The Etymotic ER2SE and KZ ZSN Pro are both poor for phone calls, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
4.9
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
5.3
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the KZ ZSN Pro is poor.
Cost
$100
$21
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the KZ ZSN Pro costs $21.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.2
6.0
The Etymotic ER2SE and KZ ZSN Pro are both only fair for gaming.
TV and Video
7.8
7.4
The Etymotic ER2SE and KZ ZSN Pro are both good for TV and video.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Etymotic ER2SE and KZ ZSN Pro both have excellent build quality.
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How the Etymotic ER2SE and the KZ ZSN Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER2SE | KZ ZSN Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $21 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | KZ | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2019 | March 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 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 | 4.2/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 5.3/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Etymotic ER2SE
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | April 2022
"Etymotic isn’t playing around: it takes audio seriously and has mastered the art of the noise-isolation earphone. Sure, the fit of the earbuds looks silly but it’s a signature Etymotic thing and could be considered charming by some. If you’re looking for best-in-class audio for a realistic price, the ER2SE is it."
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 Etymotic ER2SE or the KZ ZSN Pro
About Etymotic
Etymotic Research is an American based research, development and manufacturing company founded in 1983. They invented the first insert earphones that were used for the diagnosis and research of hearing loss and other auditory disorders. They went on to pioneer the market of high fidelity, isolating, in-ear earphones.
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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
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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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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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