The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality, isolation, and build quality for music listening and want a higher-end option, the Etymotic ER4XR would be a better fit, although it's at a higher price point and may not be as comfortable for all users. On the other hand, for a budget-friendly choice that still offers good sound and build quality and is more comfortable for extended use, the KZ ZSN Pro X might suffice, though it isn't as effective for isolation and may not enhance calls or gaming experiences much. Neither are ideal for workouts or travel due to their poor and fair scores in these categories, respectively. If you need a microphone or use your earbuds for calls frequently, neither of these models is likely to meet your needs due to poor mic quality scores. 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 ER4XR
Very good for music
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the KZ ZSN Pro X
Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.0/10
7.0/10
The Etymotic ER4XR is very good for music, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is good.
Phone Calls
4.7/10
3.1/10
The Etymotic ER4XR and KZ ZSN Pro X are both poor for phone calls, though the Etymotic ER4XR is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3/10
4.7/10
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
6.0/10
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is only fair.
Cost
$234
$24
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the KZ ZSN Pro X costs $24.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.5/10
The Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality, while the KZ ZSN Pro X has very good build quality.
"The Etymotic ER4XRs' top qualities are the detail and definition of the midrange, rewarding the closest listening. While the soundstage is large rather than gigantic, the excellent separation and spatial precision mean you can dive deep into music just as much as when wearing a pair of full-size open-backed headphones."
"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 ER4XR 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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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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