KZ ZST
Anker Space A40
What Buyers Say
KZ ZST
These budget in-ear headphones deliver exceptional sound quality with deep bass and clear highs, earning high praise from music lovers. However, users consistently report a constant background hiss when powered and a poor microphone, making them unsuitable for calls or gaming. The build quality and comfort are generally well-regarded, though some find the fit bulky.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Deep and punchy bass
- Clear highs and mids
- Solid build quality
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Constant background hiss when powered
- Poor microphone quality
- Uncomfortable for small ears
- No carrying case included
- Cable pulls head when snagged
Anker Space A40
The Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are widely praised for their excellent sound quality, customizable EQ via the app, and strong noise cancellation. Users appreciate the long battery life, fast charging, and comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes. Some note that the ANC is not as powerful as premium competitors and that Bluetooth connection can occasionally drop in bumpy vehicles or certain environments. Overall, they are considered great value for the price.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Customizable EQ via app
- Good noise cancellation
- Long battery life
- Fast charging
Cons
- ANC not as strong as premium competitors
- Occasional Bluetooth connection drops
- Touch controls limited to certain options at once
- Battery life slightly less than advertised
- Left ear discomfort for some users
Scores
Specifications
| KZ ZST | Anker Space A40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | — | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | S, M, L | 5 sizes of silicone ear tips |
| Weight | 0.06 kg | 0.06 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | hybrid | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 10 mm | 11 mm★ |
| Drivers | 2 | 2 |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 20 Hz |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz | 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 18 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | KZ ZSN PRO in Ear Gaming Earphones, Hybrid Technology 1DD 1BA Drivers Wired Earbuds Comfortable Noise Cancelling Gaming Earbuds Headphones for Cell Phone Android Women Men Girl (Blue with Mic) | LDAC |
| Surround | — | Soundcore by Anker Space A40 Auto-Adjustable Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Reduce Noise by Up to 98%, 50H Playtime, Hi-Res Sound, App Customization, Wireless Charge (Renewed) Blue (Refresh |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.2★ |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | — | Bluetooth |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 10 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 10 min for 4 hours playback |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 50 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | — | 6★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Siri, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | — | soundcore |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | — |
| Bone Conduction | — | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 |
Pros & Cons
KZ ZST
- Strong social proof (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong sound (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong anc (73rd percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Anker Space A40
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong sound (94th percentile)94th %ile
Pricing
KZ ZST offers 1.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 85 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 12 of 37 specs.
