KZ ZAS
Sony WF-1000XM5
What Buyers Say
KZ ZAS
The KZ ZAS is widely praised for its excellent sound quality, with detailed highs, tight bass, and a wide soundstage that rivals far more expensive IEMs. However, several users report reliability issues, particularly with one driver failing during live performances, and the stock ear tips are considered flimsy. Despite these concerns, many find it an incredible value for the price, especially for casual listening and gaming.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality for the price
- Detailed highs and tight bass
- Wide soundstage
- Good for gaming
- Durable build (except ear tips)
Cons
- Driver failure in some units
- Flimsy stock ear tips
- Bright tuning may cause fatigue
- Weak bass for some listeners
- Scratches easily on resin shell
Sony WF-1000XM5
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds receive mixed feedback. Many users praise the excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable fit, making them great for travel and workouts. However, a significant number of complaints focus on Bluetooth connectivity issues, poor ANC compared to previous models, and fit problems that cause discomfort or earbuds falling out. Battery life and case charging also draw criticism, with some users experiencing defects. Overall, while the audio performance is often lauded, reliability and fit concerns prevent a higher rating.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit
- Great battery life
- Customizable app
Cons
- Bluetooth connectivity issues
- Poor ANC compared to previous models
- Fit problems causing discomfort
- Earbuds fall out easily
- Case battery drains quickly
Scores
Specifications
| KZ ZAS | Sony WF-1000XM5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | in-ear | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | — | XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.03 kg | 0.01 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | hybrid | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 10 mm★ | 8.399999618530273 mm |
| Drivers | 8★ | 1 |
| Freq Min | — | 20 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 24 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 102 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | KZ ZAS 7BA+1DD in Ear Earphone 8 Unit Hybrid Technology Flagship Wired Earbuds Monitor Headphones 8Core Cable Music Sport Earphone (with Mic, White) | AAC, LC3, LDAC, SBC |
| Surround | — | Dolby Atmos |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | USB Type C |
| Range | — | 10 m★ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 8 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 3 Minutes for 1 Hour |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 24 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | — | 6★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | Sony Headphone Connect App |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✓★ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 |
Pros & Cons
KZ ZAS
- Strong sound (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong comfort (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (67th percentile)
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
- Below average connectivity (34th percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Sony WF-1000XM5
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (12th percentile)12th %ile
Pricing
KZ ZAS
Sony WF-1000XM5
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 20 of 40 specs.
