The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize top-notch sound with an expansive soundstage for an immersive music experience and have a dedicated amplifier, the HifiMan Arya Stealth would be a solid choice; keep in mind they're open-back, which means they won’t isolate noise well and are bulkier, making them less portable. Conversely, if you're on a budget and need something versatile for casual listening, commuting, or exercise, the KZ ZSN Pro X earbuds offer good sound quality, are closed-back for some noise isolation, and are more compact. Neither are optimal for gaming or calls due to their poor mic quality and lack of wireless connectivity. 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 HifiMan Arya Stealth
Best in class for music
Good for gaming
Excellent for TV and video
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the KZ ZSN Pro X
Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
10.0/10
7.0/10
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is best in class for music, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is good.
Gaming
7.1/10
5.9/10
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is good for gaming, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Phone Calls
5.1/10
3.1/10
The HifiMan Arya Stealth and KZ ZSN Pro X are both poor for phone calls, though the HifiMan Arya Stealth is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1/10
4.7/10
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
TV and Video
9.4/10
7.3/10
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is excellent for TV and video, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
6.0/10
The KZ ZSN Pro X is only fair for noise reduction, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is poor.
Cost
$599
$24
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The HifiMan Arya Stealth has a price of $599 and the KZ ZSN Pro X costs $24.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.5/10
The HifiMan Arya Stealth has excellent build quality, while the KZ ZSN Pro X has very good build quality.
"The Arya can easily be end-game headphones for 99% of consumers, satisfying most audio desires. Priced well above USD$1000, the Arya are obviously and gloriously not for the mass market consumer; they are designed and built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts – especially those who view their expenses on this level of gear as investments."
"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 HifiMan Arya Stealth or the KZ ZSN Pro X
About HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
122,600
Recommendations made
18,390
Consumer hours saved
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
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.