KZ AM16
SoundPEATS H3
What Buyers Say
KZ AM16
The KZ IEMs are widely praised for their impressive sound quality, with clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass that many find perfect for music and gaming. Users appreciate the lower listening volume needed, which reduces ear fatigue, and the comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes. However, one unit arrived with internal damage and unbalanced sound, and the stock rubber tips could be better. Overall, these are seen as a great value upgrade from previous models, especially when paired with a DAC.
Pros
- Impressive sound quality
- Clear highs and rich mids
- Deep satisfying bass
- Lower listening volume reduces ear fatigue
- Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes
Cons
- One unit arrived with internal damage
- Unbalanced sound on defective unit
- Stock rubber tips could be better
- Heavy for running
SoundPEATS H3
The Soundpeats H3 earbuds are widely praised for delivering exceptional sound quality that rivals far more expensive models, with tight bass, clear mids, and sparkling highs. Users highlight the secure IEM-style fit, effective active noise cancellation, and reliable connectivity, though some note the EQ in the companion app could be more impactful. Battery life varies with codec and ANC usage, and the charging case is a bit bulky, but overall these are seen as an outstanding value for audiophiles on a budget.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality for the price
- Secure and comfortable IEM-style fit
- Effective active noise cancellation
- Reliable Bluetooth connectivity
- Good codec support (LDAC, AptX Adaptive)
Cons
- EQ in app could be more impactful
- Battery life varies with codec/ANC
- Charging case is somewhat bulky
- No auto-pause when removing earbuds
- Slightly metallic treble on some tracks
Scores
Specifications
| KZ AM16 | SoundPEATS H3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | — | true wireless |
| Weight | 0.07 kg | 0.05 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | balanced armature | hybrid |
| Driver Size | — | 12 mm★ |
| Drivers | 8★ | 3 |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 28 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | KZ AM16 in Ear Monitor Headphones 16BA Drivers HiFi IEM Earphones High Clarity Gaming Earbuds Clarity in All Frequency Stereo Sound Comfortable Headphones for Musicians (Deep Base, Nomic) | LDAC, aptX Lossless |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | — | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive hybrid |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | — | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.4★ |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 7 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 10 minutes for 2 hours of playtime |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 37 hrs★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | — | 6★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | PeatsAudio App |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | — |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX5 |
Pros & Cons
KZ AM16
- Strong sound (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong comfort (72nd percentile)
- Below average connectivity (28th percentile)
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
- Below average social proof (35th percentile)
SoundPEATS H3
- Strong sound (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong social proof (96th percentile)96th %ile
Pricing
SoundPEATS H3 offers 1.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 85 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 13 of 26 specs.
