Headphones Review
KZ ZSN PRO X IEM Review: Dual Driver Budget Wired Sound
The KZ ZSN PRO X IEM is a budget wired earphone with a dual driver setup, one dynamic driver and one balanced armature. The listing highlights a zinc alloy and resin build, detachable 0.75mm two pin cable, and passive isolation up to 30 dB. This review covers sound, comfort, features, and call quality.
Our Verdict
Research Score 74/100The KZ ZSN PRO X IEM is a straightforward budget wired in-ear monitor that focuses on a dual driver setup and a detachable cable. The listing claims flexible lows, smooth mids, and bright highs, with passive noise isolation up to 30 dB. However, it lacks active noise cancelling, Bluetooth, a battery, and any mention of a microphone or inline remote. Weight and water resistance are not published, which leaves some practical questions unanswered. For the price tier, the build materials and dual driver design are appealing, especially for listeners who value wired sound and cable flexibility. Buyers who want a simple, durable budget IEM for music or gaming should shortlist it. Those who need wireless convenience or call functionality should look elsewhere. Overall, it earns a solid score for its intended niche, but the missing details keep it from ranking higher.
Editorial research score based on published specifications and documented features, not a customer rating or lab test.
KZ
KZ ZSN PRO X IEM
Best for: Budget minded listeners who want a wired dual driver in-ear monitor with a detachable cable and do not need active noise cancelling or wireless playback.
Skip it if: You need true wireless earbuds, active noise cancelling, or a built in microphone for calls.
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Listing verified: October 2026
Who Should Buy It
Buy it if
- Listeners on a tight budget who want a dual driver wired IEM
- Gamers and music fans who prefer a wired connection for low latency
- Users who like to swap cables or add a Bluetooth module later
- Anyone who values passive isolation for commuting or focused listening
Skip it if
- You want active noise cancelling for travel or office use
- You need a microphone and inline remote for phone calls
- You prefer a fully wireless true wireless earbud experience
Key Specifications
| Type | In-ear monitor (IEM), wired earphones |
| Driver | Dual driver: 1 dynamic driver (DD) + 1 balanced armature (BA) |
| Noise cancelling | Passive noise isolation up to 30 dB per listing; no active noise cancelling |
| Bluetooth and codecs | Wired only; detachable cable can accept a Bluetooth module (module not included); codecs not applicable |
| Battery life | Not applicable for wired use; battery life for an optional Bluetooth module is not published |
| Wired option | Yes, detachable cable with 0.75mm 2-pin gold-plated plug |
| Controls and app | Not published in listing; no inline remote or app mentioned |
| Water resistance | Not published in listing |
| Weight | Not published in listing |
| Included accessories | Detachable cable listed; other accessories not published |
Overview
The KZ ZSN PRO X IEM is a budget priced wired in-ear monitor positioned as an upgrade over the KZ ZSN Pro. The listing describes a dual driver design with one dynamic driver and one balanced armature working together. This configuration is meant to deliver more detailed sound than a single dynamic driver can provide at this price.
According to the product listing, the ZSN PRO X improves the dynamic driver's magnetic gap to reduce eddy current loss. The claimed benefit is a blend of flexible lows, smooth mids, and bright highs. The listing also emphasizes a zinc alloy metal body and resin cavity for durability, but it does not publish a frequency response graph, driver size, or sensitivity.
Sound Quality
On paper, the dual driver arrangement suggests a more layered presentation than typical single dynamic driver budget earphones. The dynamic driver likely handles bass and midrange while the balanced armature covers the upper frequencies. The listing claims flexible lows, smooth mids, and bright highs, which points to a lively and engaging tuning rather than a strict neutral reference.
Buyers report that the ZSN PRO X delivers energetic treble and present bass, which can suit pop, electronic, and rock music. The listing does not state impedance or sensitivity, so buyers using a smartphone headphone jack may find volume acceptable, but dedicated audio players or dongle DACs may provide better control. Compared to a neutral reference like the Sennheiser HD 560S, this IEM is likely more colored and bass emphasized, but that is only an inference from the driver type and budget IEM conventions.
Gaming performance is mentioned in the listing title, and a wired IEM with a dynamic driver can provide low latency and decent positional cues. The high frequency energy from the balanced armature could make footsteps and other in game details more noticeable, though the listing does not specify any gaming tuned features or virtual surround processing.
Comfort and Fit
The ZSN PRO X uses an ergonomic design that the listing says is scientifically shaped to fit the auricles. The resin cavity and zinc alloy body may add a bit of weight compared to all resin shells, but the listing does not publish the exact weight. The earphones can be worn with the cable over the ear for a secure fit.
Passive isolation depends heavily on ear tip selection and seal quality. The listing claims up to 30 dB of noise isolation, but this is not active noise cancelling. A proper seal is essential for both bass response and isolation, so buyers who find the included ear tips lacking may need to purchase aftermarket tips.
Long term comfort is helped by the lightweight IEM form factor, but without a published weight, it is hard to compare directly to other models. The resin cavity should avoid the cold feel of all metal shells, while the zinc alloy faceplate adds structural integrity.
Noise Control and Features
Noise control is passive only. The listing states the earphones can isolate up to 30 dB due to their closed in-ear design. This is not the same as active noise cancelling found on models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 45. Passive isolation reduces some ambient sound but does not electronically cancel low frequency rumble.
The detachable cable uses a 0.75mm 2-pin gold-plated plug, which is a common standard among budget IEMs. This allows users to swap the cable for a replacement or a Bluetooth module, as mentioned in the listing. The Bluetooth module is not included, so out of the box these are wired only. There is no mention of an inline remote, microphone, or companion app.
- Dual driver design with 1 dynamic driver and 1 balanced armature
- Passive noise isolation up to 30 dB per listing
- Detachable 0.75mm 2-pin gold-plated cable
- Bluetooth module compatible but not included
- Zinc alloy and resin body for durability
Battery, Bluetooth and Connectivity
The KZ ZSN PRO X IEM is a wired earphone, so battery life is not applicable in its stock form. The listing does not publish a battery because there is no internal battery. If a user adds a Bluetooth module via the 2-pin connector, battery life would depend on that module, and the listing does not specify any particular module or its battery rating.
Bluetooth connectivity is not built in. The listing mentions the detachable cable can be swapped for a Bluetooth module, turning the earphones into a Bluetooth IEM, but no module is included. Codec support, wireless range, and battery capacity are not published. Wired connectivity uses the included 2-pin cable with a gold-plated plug, but the listing does not explicitly state the 3.5mm connector type on the other end.
Build, Design and Portability
The listing emphasizes a zinc alloy metal body and resin cavity, which should provide solid build quality for the price. Zinc alloy is heavier than plastic but more durable against drops, and the listing says the design resists falls effectively. The exact weight is not published, so portability cannot be assessed in grams, but the IEM form factor is inherently compact.
The detachable cable adds long term value because a damaged cable can be replaced without discarding the entire earphone. The 2-pin connection is common among budget IEMs, so third party cables are widely available. The listing does not mention a carrying case or pouch, so buyers may need to provide their own storage.
Call Quality and Daily Use
The listing does not mention a built in microphone, so call quality cannot be evaluated from the published specifications. If the included cable lacks an inline remote, users will need to rely on their device's microphone or purchase a separate cable with a mic. Buyers who frequently take calls should verify whether a microphone equipped cable is included or available separately.
For daily music listening, the wired connection means no latency and no need to charge. Commuters and office workers who prefer passive isolation may find the ZSN PRO X suitable as long as they do not expect active noise cancelling. The listing positions the earphones for phone, computer, and tablet use, and the detachable cable allows a Bluetooth module for more convenience later.
Who Should Buy It
Budget conscious listeners who want a dual driver wired IEM should consider the KZ ZSN PRO X. The combination of one dynamic driver and one balanced armature offers a different sound signature than many single driver budget earphones. The detachable cable adds flexibility for cable swaps or a future Bluetooth upgrade.
Gamers on a budget may appreciate the wired connection for low latency and the passive isolation for focusing on game audio. Music listeners who already own a portable DAC or headphone amplifier can use the 2-pin cable without issues, though the listing does not state impedance or sensitivity. Anyone who values a solid metal and resin build over all plastic designs will find the construction appealing.
Alternatives Worth Considering
Listeners who need active noise cancelling should look at over-ear wireless models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 45. Those offer ANC and Bluetooth, but they are in a much higher price tier and have a different form factor. For a similar budget, other wired IEMs from brands like Moondrop or Tangzu may offer different tunings.
Apple AirPods Pro are a natural alternative for iPhone users who want wireless convenience and active noise cancelling, but they are in a premium tier and are not wired. The Sennheiser HD 560S is an open-back over-ear headphone for neutral sound at a higher price and is not portable in the same way. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a closed-back studio monitor with a different fit and use case.
Verdict
The KZ ZSN PRO X IEM earns a score of 74 out of 100. Its dual driver setup, solid build materials, and detachable cable give it strong value in the budget tier. The passive isolation claim of up to 30 dB is helpful but not a substitute for active noise cancelling. Missing details like weight, water resistance, and microphone availability prevent a higher rating.
For the right buyer, this is a dependable wired IEM for music and gaming. It will not satisfy those who want wireless audio, ANC, or call functionality. The listing provides enough to understand the core product, but buyers should expect to do some research on ear tips and optional cables. Overall, the KZ ZSN PRO X IEM is a sensible choice for budget minded wired audio fans.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Dual driver design with one dynamic driver and one balanced armature
- Zinc alloy and resin build for solid feel
- Detachable 0.75mm 2-pin cable allows cable swaps or Bluetooth module
- Passive noise isolation up to 30 dB claimed
- Budget price tier
- 12 month warranty mentioned
Limitations
- No active noise cancelling
- No battery or Bluetooth built in
- Weight and water resistance not published
- No inline controls or microphone mentioned
- Passive isolation claim may vary by ear tip fit
How We Scored It
Scores reflect published specifications, documented features and value against the alternatives below. They are editorial research scores, not laboratory measurements.
Alternatives to Consider
Moondrop Old Fashioned
Budget-minded listeners who want an open-back wired headphone with a retro look and modular parts.
Read the Moondrop Old Fashioned review →
eKids Spiderman Headphones
Young Spiderman fans who need a simple, volume limited wireless headphone for school, travel, or home use.
Read the eKids Spiderman Headphones review →
KZ ZSN PRO X
Wired-listening enthusiasts, gamers, and musicians who want a budget hybrid dual-driver IEM with a detachable cable and passive isolation.
Read the KZ ZSN PRO X review →Questions Buyers Ask
KZ ZSN PRO X IEM
See the current listing, price and included accessories.
About This Review
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
Read our full research methodology.