Linsoul KZ ZSN PRO X

The KZ ZSN Pro X delivers outstanding sound quality for the price, with clear highs and balanced bass that beat most wireless earbuds in this range. The stock cable and mic are weak points, but they're easy to overlook at USD 24. If you want the best audio per dollar and don't need wireless, this is the one to get.

The hybrid driver setup does the heavy lifting. The 10mm dynamic driver handles lows with surprising punch, while the balanced armature brings clear, detailed highs. Frequency response runs 7Hz to 40kHz, which is broader than most ears can even register. Sound quality sits in the 89th percentile, and user sentiment backs that up at 92nd. The soundstage feels wide for an IEM, and the passive isolation is decent, around 26dB reduction. The weak spots are connectivity and mic performance, 34th and 12th percentile respectively. The cable works fine but feels flimsy, and the mic is basically an afterthought.

Stacked against the Soundcore P31i, EarFun Air Pro 4+, and Anker Space A40, the KZ ZSN Pro X takes a completely different approach. Those are all wireless earbuds with ANC and mics built for calls. The KZ is a wired IEM that trades convenience for raw sound quality. The JLab JBuds Pods ANC and Baseus Bass BP1 Pro offer more features, but none of them touch the KZ's audio performance. If you want wireless freedom and call quality, go with the Soundcore or EarFun. If you want the best sound per dollar and don't mind a cable, the KZ wins easily.

At USD 24 to 25 in the US, this is an absurdly good deal. European buyers see a bit more spread, EUR 26 to 32 across six listings, so it's worth shopping around. The German, Spanish, French, and Italian listings all hover in that range, and the lower end is where you want to be. For the sound quality you're getting, this is one of the best values in budget audio right now. The cable and mic are compromises, but at this price, they're easy to forgive.

The KZ ZSN Pro X is one of those rare budget IEMs that makes you question why you'd spend more. You get a hybrid setup with a 10mm dynamic driver and a customized 30095 balanced armature, all wrapped in a zinc alloy faceplate that looks way pricier than it is. The sound is the headline here, landing in the 89th percentile in our database, which is wild for something in this price bracket.

But it's not all sunshine. The stock cable feels cheap, the mic is nearly useless, and if you need these for calls, look elsewhere. For pure music listening though, this thing punches way above its weight.

Skip these if you need a reliable mic for calls or video meetings. The mic performance is in the 12th percentile, which is genuinely bad. Also skip if you want wireless convenience or active noise cancellation. The passive isolation is decent, but it won't compete with the ANC on the Soundcore P31i or Anker Space A40. And if you have very small ears, the fit might be a struggle even with the extra-small tips.

Buy these if you care about sound quality above all else and don't need a mic. They're perfect for budget-conscious audiophiles, commuters who want passive isolation, or anyone curious about IEMs without dropping serious cash. The detachable cable means you can upgrade later, and the sound is good enough to justify that upgrade. Just don't expect to take calls on them.