KZ AST
The 12 balanced armature drivers per side deliver a 10Hz-40kHz frequency range with minimal distortion, while the zinc alloy shells are CNC-machined to a ±0.03mm precision. Its -36dB passive noise isolation and detachable 200-core silver-plated cable offer strong flexibility for critical listening. These wired monitors are best for audio engineers and musicians who prioritize detailed, customizable sound over wireless convenience.
No current retailer price
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong comfort (93rd percentile) 93rd
- Strong anc (74th percentile) 74th
Cons
- Below average mic (11th percentile)
- Below average connectivity (11th percentile)
- Below average affordability (16th percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
Based on 2 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | ear-hook |
| Weight | 0.0 kg / 0.1 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | balanced armature |
| Freq Min | 10 |
| Freq Max | 40000 |
| Impedance | 26 |
| Codecs | KZ AST in-Ear Monitor, 12 BA Driver HiFi Earphones, Bass Noise Cancelling Headphones with Detachable 2pin Cable for Audio Engineers Musicians Audiophile |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
vs Competition
| Spec | KZ AST | Technics EAH-AZ100 | JLab JBuds Pods ANC | Samsung Galaxy Buds Buds3 Pro | Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | Soundcore P31i |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear |
| Driver Type | balanced armature | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Wireless | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 6.1 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 8 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Case Battery Hours | - | 28 | 56 | 26 | 24 | 50 |
| Water Resistance | - | IPX4 | IP55 | IP57 | IP57 | IP55 |
| Multipoint | - | true | true | true | true | - |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | Connectivity | Social Proof | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KZ AST | 73.5 | 10.7 | 33.8 | 59.1 | 44.2 | 93.2 | 11.3 | 45.4 | 15.7 |
| Technics EAH-AZ100 Compare | 97.5 | 97.4 | 78.8 | 99.7 | 76.7 | 93.2 | 99.8 | 81.2 | 2.9 |
| JLab JBuds Pods ANC Compare | 93.5 | 97.4 | 90.8 | 87.1 | 94 | 93.2 | 98.1 | 95.5 | 32.9 |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds Buds3 Pro Compare | 97.5 | 97.4 | 98.9 | 92.3 | 70.6 | 93.2 | 99.6 | 89.7 | 7.2 |
| Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation Compare | 97.5 | 81 | 98.9 | 90.4 | 73.2 | 69.7 | 99.6 | 99.3 | 11 |
| Soundcore P31i Compare | 90 | 97.4 | 90.8 | 96.6 | 92.3 | 69.7 | 86.2 | 89.7 | 57.5 |
Usage Scores
- Calls17.9
- Music33.4
- Overall26.6
- Budget35.3
- Gaming23.5
- Travel30.6
- Commute31.7
- Fitness29.4
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
