Kz ZSN PRO wired earbuds review

We're testing the Kz ZSN Pro earbuds with a detachable cable. Kz earbuds are known for their impressive sound and very good microphone. But these Kz ZSN Pro sit in a slightly lower price bracket. Are they still impressive, or has quality taken a hit? We found out for you.

Pros and cons

Here are the pros and cons of the Kz ZSN Pro.

Kz ZSN Pro specifications

• Price: €25
• Bluetooth: no
  (optional with the purchase of a Bluetooth upgrade cable)
• Cable: audio jack
  (optional Lightning cable for iPhone or USB-C)
• Frequency: 7-40000
• Resistance: 24Ω
• Sensitivity: 112dB
• Connectors: 3.5mm
• Microphone: 2 versions available, with and without a mic.

Sound of the Kz ZSN Pro

Earbuds at this price? Surely they can't surprise us. We've tried more than 100 pairs and listened closely. Earbuds costing €250 and earbuds costing €20. We know the difference and have a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Sound quality score: 7.5

Let's get straight to it: the sound of these Kz ZSN Pro isn't worth €25. It's worth more. These earbuds made their way around every editor in the office (very hygienic). It turned into a bit of a moment, with everyone gathering around the tester's desk to try them.

We checked the Kz catalog several times to make sure these really were the budget earbuds.

Because what a sound! So much depth for €25. How is that possible? It was love at first listen.

Let's try to explain what we like so much about the sound. First, the clarity. Of course, that's most noticeable with certain types of music. Concert recordings, for example, with plenty of low notes and high notes, too. You can make out all those different pitches separately, from the audience clapping to the bass guitar playing.

For comparison:
In terms of quality, these Kz ZSN Pro are dozens of times better than QCY earbuds in the same price range.

But is that a fair comparison? Bluetooth earbud manufacturers have to spend a large part of their budget on Bluetooth technology and the battery.

Another comparison
The sound is just a little better than the SoundPEATS Trueshift2, for example, which cost around €50. These Kz ZSN Pro cost about half that.

Still, these earbuds don't let you move freely around the house or outside without a cable. Or pop into the kitchen for a coffee. That last one is particularly relevant to me. I nearly dragged my laptop into the kitchen because I forgot I was on a leash. Yes, wireless freedom is pretty nice! But you do have to pay more for the same sound quality.

Microphone: are the Kz ZSN Pro good for calls?

It's well known that wired earbuds can transmit the microphone signal more easily. That helps with sound transmission. In other words, it's easier for wired earbuds to capture good microphone audio than it is for wireless earbuds.

You can hear that with these Kz ZSN Pro, too. The sound is clear and full. Much better than wireless earbuds in this price range.

Microphone score: 8

Listen to the clip Tobias recorded to test the Kz ZSN Pro microphone.

Buy Kz ZSN Pro

Fit: how do the Kz ZSN Pro feel?

These Kz ZSN Pro are a lightweight in the Kz lineup, both literally and figuratively. And weight happens to be an important factor in how comfortable your earbuds feel. But does their low weight make them more comfortable?

Absolutely! The fact that these Kz ZSN Pro weigh a little less than the more expensive Kz ASX makes them more comfortable. They're also less bulky, so they fit better in your ears. The Kz ASX do take sound quality up another notch, though. But we're talking about fit here.

The cable curves upward from each earbud and around your ear. That makes these earbuds so much more comfortable to wear than standard wired earbuds.

Earbud controls

The controls on these Kz ZSN Pro are pretty plain and basic. We can keep this section short. There's just 1 small button on an inline remote. You can use it to pause or play music, and to answer and end calls. Nothing special, but functional.

Controls: 6

Go wireless with the Kz Bluetooth upgrade

The Kz HD Bluetooth Upgrade Cable lets you upgrade these earbuds to wireless. Instead of plugging the regular cable into each earbud, you attach the Bluetooth neckband. You can then easily connect the earbuds to your phone or laptop. That gives you both the good sound of these Kz earbuds and the freedom of wireless earbuds. A nice upgrade.

Conclusion: are the Kz ZSN Pro good?

Buy Kz ZSN Pro

Alternatives

Which earbuds would you like us to compare these with? Let us know, and we'll get to work.

Others also viewed:

• Browse all our blogs about wireless earbuds
• These are the best earbuds under €50
• These are the earbuds with the best microphone
• Check out our in-depth blog about QCY earbuds
• And check out our blog about alternatives to AirPods
• Also check out the 3 best earbuds for running
• Also check out our hands-on review of the Eardopes B6 pro.