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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Etymotic ER2SE provides better overall sound quality and superior noise isolation, making it ideal for focused listening environments and users who prioritize precise audio reproduction. However, it is more expensive and is less versatile due to its lower comfort score, meaning it may not be the best choice for prolonged use or exercise. On the other hand, the KZ ZSN Pro, with its built-in mic and higher comfort score, is more suitable for calls and meetings, as well as gaming due to its higher respective scores in those categories. It also has a more secure fit thanks to included cable ear hooks, making it a reasonable option for active users. So, if you're on a budget and need a pair of earbuds with a microphone for varied activities including gaming and calls, the KZ ZSN Pro is a good choice; but if sound quality and noise isolation are your top priorities and you're willing to invest more, consider the Etymotic ER2SE. 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 (with Mic)
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Music
8.8
7.7
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is good.
Gaming
6.2
8.0
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is very good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER2SE is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
4.9
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
5.3
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is poor.
Cost
$100
$24
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) costs $24.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.9
5.1
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) and Etymotic ER2SE are both poor for phone calls.
TV and Video
7.8
7.4
The Etymotic ER2SE and KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) are both good for TV and video.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Etymotic ER2SE and KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) both have excellent build quality.
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How the Etymotic ER2SE and the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER2SE | KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $24 | ||
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 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 8/10 | |
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 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7/10 | |
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 | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | In-Line | |
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 (with Mic)
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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 (with Mic)
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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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