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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality for music and a wide soundstage for immersive experiences such as TV and video, the HifiMan Edition XS headphones may be the way to go, but these are open-back and don't isolate sound well, making them less suitable for noisy environments or when privacy is needed. They also lack wireless functionality and require an amplifier for best performance. On the other hand, the KZ ZSN Pro X earbuds offer good overall sound quality at a budget-friendly price, with better portability and passive noise isolation due to their closed design, though they might not match the HifiMan in sound quality. They are also more versatile for exercise and travel. However, neither are optimal for gaming or calls, given their poor microphone quality. 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 Edition XS
- Very good for music
- Good for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the KZ ZSN Pro X
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.8
7.0
The HifiMan Edition XS is very good for music, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is good.
Gaming
7.4
5.9
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for gaming, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Phone Calls
5.0
3.1
The HifiMan Edition XS and KZ ZSN Pro X are both poor for phone calls, though the HifiMan Edition XS is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
4.7
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
TV and Video
9.5
7.3
The HifiMan Edition XS is best in class for TV and video, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The KZ ZSN Pro X is only fair for noise reduction, while the HifiMan Edition XS is poor.
Cost
$269
$22
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The HifiMan Edition XS has a price of $269 and the KZ ZSN Pro X costs $22.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The HifiMan Edition XS and KZ ZSN Pro X both have very good build quality.
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How the HifiMan Edition XS and the KZ ZSN Pro X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HifiMan Edition XS | KZ ZSN Pro X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$269 | $22 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HifiMan | KZ | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2021 | June 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 3.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.5/10 | 6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.5/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 2.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 421 Grams | 27 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
HifiMan Edition XS
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | January 2023
"The Edition XS easily compete with headphones in their price range with a very high price-to-performance ratio. The XS are an amazing value and offer performance not far off from headphones more than twice their cost. These will be a mind-blowing revelation for enthusiasts and music lovers who have only heard standard big-brand mainstream headphones."
KZ ZSN Pro X
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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 HifiMan Edition XS 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.
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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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