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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
The KZ ZSN Pro X offers very good build quality and a detachable cable, making it a sturdy choice on a budget, especially if you prioritize music listening and will use a wired connection. However, it lacks features like wireless connectivity, active noise cancelling, an app equalizer, and ear/head detection. In contrast, the Sony Linkbuds offer these features along with better comfort, excellent build quality, and are optimized for both Android and Apple users. They also provide a unique open-ring driver, which keeps you aware of your environment while listening, and they are better for calls and exercise, as they are sweatproof and have a secure fit with silicone fins. The Linkbuds are more versatile with wireless capabilities and an app to customize settings, but they're more expensive and may have a poorer sound quality for music. If you're looking for high sound quality on a budget and don't mind wires, go for the KZ ZSN Pro X, but if you want modern features like wireless connectivity, an open design, and customization, the Sony Linkbuds might be worth the extra cost. 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 X
- Good for music
- Good for TV and video
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Sony Linkbuds
- Good for exercise
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Phone Calls
3.1
6.8
The Sony Linkbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.7
7.8
The Sony Linkbuds is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
TV and Video
7.3
5.4
The KZ ZSN Pro X is good for TV and video, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The KZ ZSN Pro X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.5 Hours
The KZ ZSN Pro X 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 X has a price of $24 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $178.
Build Quality
8.5
9.3
The Sony Linkbuds has excellent build quality, while the KZ ZSN Pro X has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.0
6.6
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers KZ ZSN Pro X to be good for music, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Gaming
5.9
5.5
The KZ ZSN Pro X and Sony Linkbuds are both poor for gaming.
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How the KZ ZSN Pro X and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| KZ ZSN Pro X | Sony Linkbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$24 | $178 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | KZ | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2020 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.1/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.3/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 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 | 6/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 2.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 27 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
KZ ZSN Pro X
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Dig into reviews and images
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."
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."
Get a great deal on the KZ ZSN Pro X or the Sony Linkbuds
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.
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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