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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound clarity, especially for music listening, the Etymotic ER2SE might serve you better, as they offer very good overall sound quality and excellent noise isolation, making them ideal for quieter environments and immersive listening. However, they are less comfortable and have a lower call and gaming performance. On the other hand, the KZ ZSN Pro X provides good sound quality at a budget price and includes a detachable cable, making them a cost-effective choice that’s also versatile thanks to mixed driver types. They are also more suitable for use during exercise as they come with cable ear hooks for a secure fit, but they don't offer noise cancellation. Consider the Etymotic if sound fidelity is a must and you’re okay with a higher price, or the KZ if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with decent performance and added exercise suitability. 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 X
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.8
7.0
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is good.
Phone Calls
4.9
3.1
The Etymotic ER2SE and KZ ZSN Pro X are both poor for phone calls, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
4.7
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
7.3
The Etymotic ER2SE and KZ ZSN Pro X are both good for TV and video, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
9.1
6.0
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is only fair.
Cost
$100
$24
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the KZ ZSN Pro X costs $24.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality, while the KZ ZSN Pro X has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.2
5.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Etymotic ER2SE to be only fair for gaming, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
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How the Etymotic ER2SE and the KZ ZSN Pro X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER2SE | KZ ZSN Pro X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $24 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | KZ | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2019 | June 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 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 | 4.2/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 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 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 27 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 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 Etymotic ER2SE or the KZ ZSN Pro X
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
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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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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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