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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the KZ ZSN Pro with a mic would be the choice, as it offers a good balance of sound quality and additional functionality for calls and recordings due to the microphone, which may also enhance convenience for communication. On the other hand, the Sony Linkbuds could provide a more premium listening experience with possibly better sound quality, potentially more advanced features like noise cancellation, and a brand reputation for durability. Also consider lifestyle factors like comfort and fit, as well as whether wireless functionality, as likely offered by the Sony Linkbuds, is a priority for you over the wired KZ ZSN Pro. 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 (with Mic)
- Good for music
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony Linkbuds
- Good for exercise
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.7
6.6
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is good for music, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Gaming
8.0
5.5
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is very good for gaming, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Phone Calls
5.1
6.8
The Sony Linkbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.9
7.8
The Sony Linkbuds is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
5.4
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is good for TV and video, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) and Sony Linkbuds are both poor for noise reduction, though the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
5.5 Hours
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) does not have a battery. The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$24
$178
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) has a price of $24 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $178.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
9.3
The Sony Linkbuds and KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) both have excellent build quality.
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How the KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic) | Sony Linkbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$24 | $178 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | KZ | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 17.5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 2.5/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
KZ ZSN Pro (with Mic)
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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 Linkbuds
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Sam Moore | February 2022
"The Sony LinkBuds is definitely the most unique audio product to release so far in 2022, and it largely executes well on it's unoccluded design. However, it's hamstrung by all the same things as other unsealed earbuds."
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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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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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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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