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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you're on a budget and primarily use earbuds for music listening in a wired setting, with the option for custom cables, the KZ ZSN Pro X could be suitable despite its poor microphone and lack of wireless connectivity. However, if you're looking for a premium wireless experience with features like active noise cancelling, app-based controls, and optimizations for both Android and Apple devices, as well as better sound isolation and a more robust build with ear detection and sweat resistance, the Sony WF1000XM5 would be a strong choice, especially for air travel and portability, despite the higher 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 X
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.0
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is good.
Gaming
5.9
5.1
The KZ ZSN Pro X and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for gaming, though the KZ ZSN Pro X is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
3.1
5.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 and KZ ZSN Pro X are both poor for phone calls, though the Sony WF1000XM5 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.3
5.4
The KZ ZSN Pro X is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is only fair.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The KZ ZSN Pro X does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$22
$298
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The KZ ZSN Pro X has a price of $22 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.7
4.9
The Sony WF1000XM5 and KZ ZSN Pro X are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The KZ ZSN Pro X and Sony WF1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the KZ ZSN Pro X and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| KZ ZSN Pro X | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$22 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | KZ | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2020 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.1/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.3/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | 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 | 6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 27 Grams | 6 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 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 X 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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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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