Wired IEMs
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23BK
68Good
$70
Full review dataAudio-Technica ATH-ANC23BK vs KZ Zenith: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the KZ Zenith comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: KZ Zenith - Great overall at around $47.
Wired IEMs
KZ Zenith
82Great
$47
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23BK
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling4.5
Battery8.0
Value7.5
KZ Zenith
Sound8.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23BK | KZ Zenith |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $70 | $47 |
| HearWiki score | 68 / 100 · Good | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2021 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 13 mm | Full-range ultra-linear Dynamic Driver X |
| Driver size | 13 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-40kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 41 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB/mW | 128 dB/mW |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 60 h | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | - |
| Controls | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 26 g | - |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23BK
These wired in-ear headphones from Audio-Technica offer active noise cancellation with a surprisingly long battery life of up to 60 hours from a single AAA battery. They deliver a balanced, neutral sound profile that outperforms many budget competitors, though the noise reduction is modest and the cord-mounted control module is quite bulky. Overall, they're a solid value for the price, but not the best choice for heavy noise environments or extended wear.
- Pro:Very long battery life (60 hours) from one AAA battery
- Pro:Neutral, well-balanced sound for the price
- Pro:Good value in the affordable noise-cancelling category
- Con:Noise cancellation is only fair, not effective in busy offices
- Con:Bulky cord-mounted module can feel intrusive
- Con:Not ideal for long listening sessions due to comfort issues
KZ Zenith
The KZ Zenith is a wired, single-dynamic-driver IEM that delivers a balanced, non-fatiguing sound with punchy bass, detailed mids, and smooth treble. It's highly sensitive and easy to drive, making it a versatile choice for portable use, while its build quality and fit are praised. Despite a few minor caveats, it offers strong technical performance and competes well above its modest price point.
- Pro:Balanced, non-offensive tuning with textured bass
- Pro:Clear and detailed mids with refined treble
- Pro:Very easy to drive and highly sensitive
- Con:No active noise cancellation or controls
- Con:Cable is detachable but not USB-C
- Con:Minor caveats in overall technical refinement
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.