KZ AM16
Sony WF-1000XM5
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
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 AM16 | Sony WF-1000XM5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | — | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | — | XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.07 kg | 0.01 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | balanced armature | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 8.399999618530273 mm★ |
| Drivers | 8★ | 1 |
| Freq Min | — | 20 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 102 dB★ |
| 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) | 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 | — | 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 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)
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
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 21 of 40 specs.