KZ ZSN PRO 2

The KZ ZSN Pro 2 delivers excellent sound for the price, hitting the 88th percentile in our database. Build quality and mic performance are weak spots, but if you just want great wired audio on a budget, it's worth every penny.

The sound is where the ZSN Pro 2 earns its keep. Our database puts it in the 88th percentile for sound quality, which is genuinely impressive for something this cheap. The 10mm dynamic driver brings solid bass impact, while the upgraded 30095 balanced armature adds clarity up top. Frequency response stretches from 20Hz to 40kHz, so there's plenty of headroom for hi-res files. The crossover design does a decent job keeping things smooth, though it's not perfect. Comfort is above average at the 72nd percentile, so you can wear these for a while without your ears staging a revolt. Build quality is a different story, sitting at the 34th percentile. The plastic shell feels a bit cheap, and the cable, while detachable, isn't anything special.

Stacked against the Nothing Buds 2, the ZSN Pro 2 wins on pure sound quality but loses on convenience and features. The Nothing Buds 2 are wireless, have better build quality, and actually work for calls. The Sony WF-C700N adds active noise cancellation, which the KZ doesn't have at all. The Soundcore P31i and EarFun Air Pro 4 are also wireless with better all-around scores. But none of them touch the KZ's sound-per-dollar ratio. If you're an audio purist on a tight budget, the KZ is the pick. If you need wireless freedom or take calls regularly, look elsewhere.

At around $33 USD, the ZSN Pro 2 is a solid deal if sound quality is your top priority. You're getting a hybrid driver setup that outperforms plenty of earphones costing twice as much. The EUR pricing is a bit scattered, ranging from EUR 44 to EUR 51 across three listings. If you're shopping in Europe, the ES listing has the best price at EUR 44, so grab that one if you can. Just remember you're paying for sound, not build quality or features.

The KZ ZSN Pro 2 is a budget wired IEM that tries to punch way above its price tag. You get a hybrid setup with a 10mm dynamic driver handling the low end and a balanced armature taking care of the highs. On paper, that's a recipe for a fun, detailed listen. In practice, it mostly delivers, especially if you like a bit of extra thump in your music.

But this is a wired earphone in a wireless world. No Bluetooth, no battery to worry about, but also no convenience. The cable is detachable, which is nice for longevity, and the 26Ω impedance means it'll play nice with most phones and dongles. Just don't expect to take calls on these, the mic situation is rough.

Skip these if you need wireless convenience or take a lot of phone calls. The mic is genuinely bad, and there's no Bluetooth option. If you're a commuter who wants to move around freely, grab the Nothing Buds 2 or Sony WF-C700N instead. Also, if you're rough on your gear, the flimsy build might not survive your lifestyle.

The KZ ZSN Pro 2 is for people who care about sound first and everything else second. If you're plugging into a laptop or a dedicated DAP and just want great audio without spending much, this is a no-brainer. Musicians and stage performers might also dig the wired reliability and detachable cable. But if you need something for commuting, gym sessions, or phone calls, this isn't it.