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Updated April 11, 2024·
If you’re on a budget and mostly listen to music, the KZ ZSN Pro X would be a cost-effective choice with good overall sound quality and the capability to customize audio through different cables. However, for versatile use including calls and meetings, and if you value convenience features like ear detection, app controls, and active noise cancelling, the Sony WF1000XM3 would be a better pick despite being more expensive. The Sonys also have better battery life, are optimized for both Android and Apple, and offer premium features like 360 Reality Audio, making them suitable for a wide range of activities except high-intensity exercise since they aren't sweatproof. 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 TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
Very good for phone calls
Very good for air travel
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.0/10
7.5/10
The Sony WF1000XM3 and KZ ZSN Pro X are both good for music, though the Sony WF1000XM3 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
3.1/10
8.2/10
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.7/10
8.7/10
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
TV and Video
7.3/10
5.7/10
The KZ ZSN Pro X is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0/10
8.3/10
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for noise reduction, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is only fair.
Battery
N/A
6.0 Hours
The KZ ZSN Pro X does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$24
$180
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The KZ ZSN Pro X has a price of $24 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
Build Quality
8.5/10
9.0/10
The Sony WF1000XM3 has excellent build quality, while the KZ ZSN Pro X has very good build quality.
"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."
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
Get a great deal on the KZ ZSN Pro X or the Sony WF1000XM3
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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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.