Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation

Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation

Apple
92 Overall Score
vs
KZ ZST

KZ ZST

KZ
45 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation

72 out of 100 medium confidence 25 reviews

The AirPods Pro 3 receive high praise for their exceptional active noise cancellation, improved sound quality with deep bass and clear vocals, and comfortable secure fit. Users highlight the new heart-rate sensor, adaptive audio, and live translation as valuable upgrades. However, a few reviewers report discomfort due to the hard plastic shape or fit issues, and some note the case battery could be stronger. Overall, they are seen as a premium but worthwhile upgrade for daily use.

Pros
  • Exceptional active noise cancellation
  • Improved sound quality with deep bass
  • Comfortable and secure fit
  • Useful heart-rate sensor
  • Adaptive audio and transparency mode
Cons
  • Uncomfortable hard plastic shape for some
  • Fit issues causing earbuds to fall out
  • Case battery could be stronger
  • High price point
  • Different fit compared to previous generations
👍 Active noise cancellation 8
👍 Sound quality 7
🤔 Comfort and fit 9
👍 Battery life 5
👍 Heart rate sensor 3
👍 Live translation 3

KZ ZST

85 out of 100 medium confidence 22 reviews

The KZ ZST in-ear monitors deliver exceptional sound quality for their low price, with many users comparing them favorably to far more expensive models from brands like Shure and Beats. While the build quality of the cable and mic housing feels cheap, the audio performance—featuring strong bass, clear mids, and crisp highs—consistently impresses. They are popular among musicians for live monitoring and are praised for their comfort and secure fit during workouts. The main drawbacks are the flimsy cable, lack of volume control on the inline remote, and the need for a very firm connection to prevent the cable from detaching.

Pros
  • Exceptional sound quality for the price
  • Strong bass with clear mids and highs
  • Comfortable and secure fit
  • Great for live monitoring and music
  • Removable and replaceable cables
Cons
  • Cheap-feeling cable and mic housing
  • No volume control on inline remote
  • Cable can detach if not firmly connected
  • Requires very firm connection to stay in place
  • Noise isolation could be better with stock tips
👍 Sound quality 18
👍 Value for money 16
👎 Build quality 8
👎 Cable quality 7
👍 Comfort and fit 8
🤔 Noise isolation 4

Scores

Budget
Apple
100
KZ
56
Commute
Apple
99
KZ
27
Travel
Apple
96
KZ
27
Fitness
Apple
95
KZ
27
Calls
Apple
91
KZ
24
Gaming
Apple
84
KZ
42
Music
Apple
77
KZ
41

Specifications

Apple AirPods Pro 3rd GenerationKZ ZST
Design
Form Factorin-earin-ear
Wearing Styletrue wirelessin-ear
Ear TipsXXS, XS, S, M, LS, M, L
Weight0.01 kg★0.06 kg
Audio
Driver Typedynamichybrid
Drivers12★
Freq Min—20 Hz★
Freq Max—20 kHz★
Impedance140 Ω18 Ω
Sensitivity—120 dB★
Hi-Res Audio✓★—
CodecsAAC, SBC—
SurroundSpatial Audio—
Noise Control
ANC✓★—
ANC Typeadaptive—
Transparency✓★—
Connectivity
Wireless✓★✗
Bluetooth5.3★—
Multipoint✓★—
Wired ConnectorUSB-C—
Earbud Battery
Battery Life8 hrs★—
Fast Charging5 Minutes for 1 Hour—
ChargingUSB-C★—
Case Battery
Case Battery24 hrs★—
Case ChargingUSB-C★—
Wireless Charging✓★—
Microphone
Microphone✓✓
Mic Count2★—
NC Mic✓★—
Features
Voice AssistantSiri—
Touch Controls✓★—
AppAndroid & iOS—
Gaming Mode—✓★
Bone Conduction✗—
Water ResistanceIP57—

Pros & Cons

Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation

  • Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
  • Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
  • Strong build (99th percentile)99th %ile
  • Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
  • Below average user sentiment (33rd percentile)

KZ ZST

  • Strong social proof (96th percentile)96th %ile
  • Strong sound (87th percentile)87th %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)

Pricing

KZ ZST is $180 cheaper (10.0x less).

Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation0.459score per dollar
vs
KZ ZST2.256score per dollar

KZ ZST offers 4.9x better value for money

Verdict

★ Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation

Scores 92 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 15 of 35 specs.

Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation Better at:

CallsMusicBudgetGamingTravelCommuteFitness

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