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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If budget is a primary concern, the KZ ZSN Pro offers a cost-effective choice with good sound quality for casual listening or monitoring audio. However, if you're looking for advanced features like noise cancellation, wireless convenience, and potentially better overall sound quality with a focus on modern conveniences, the Sony WF1000XM5 is the superior option despite its higher price. The Sony earbuds also typically offer better call quality with integrated microphones, making them more suitable for phone calls or video conferencing. Remember that you're paying more for the Sony brand for cutting-edge technology and robust feature sets, while the KZ ZSN Pro focuses on delivering core audio performance at an affordable price. 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 KZ ZSN Pro
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.0
5.1
The KZ ZSN Pro is only fair for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
3.1
5.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 and KZ ZSN Pro are both poor for phone calls, though the Sony WF1000XM5 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.4
5.4
The KZ ZSN Pro is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the KZ ZSN Pro is poor.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The KZ ZSN Pro does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$21
$298
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The KZ ZSN Pro has a price of $21 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The KZ ZSN Pro has excellent build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.7
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WF1000XM5 to be very good for music, while the KZ ZSN Pro is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.9
4.9
The Sony WF1000XM5 and KZ ZSN Pro are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the KZ ZSN Pro and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| KZ ZSN Pro | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$21 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | KZ | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.2/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.5/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
KZ ZSN Pro
See more
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."
Sony WF1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the KZ ZSN Pro or the Sony WF1000XM5
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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.
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.
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