EPZ Q1 PRO vs KZ Zenith: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the KZ Zenith comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 80. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: KZ Zenith - Great overall at around $47.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

KZ Zenith leads on 3 of 4 measures.

EPZ Q1 PRO
KZ Zenith

HearWiki score

Sound

7.2

8.5

Value

7.8

8.0

Price (USD)

$40

$47

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

Both shipped in 2024. These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

Q1 PRO2024
Zenith2024

Specifications

Q1 PROZenith

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $40; $47
HearWiki score: 70; 80
Released: 2024; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Discontinued
Driver: 1DD; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver configuration: 1DD; -
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: -; 20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω; 41 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 128 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Controls: -; none
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: -; No
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of EPZ Q1 PRO vs KZ Zenith
Spec	EPZ Q1 PRO	KZ Zenith
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$40	$47
HearWiki score	70 / 100 Good	80 / 100 Great
Released	2024	2024
Audio
Driver	1DD	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver configuration	1DD	-
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	-	20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance	32 Ω	41 Ω
Sensitivity	-	128 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Controls	-	none
Design
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	-	No
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

EPZ Q1 PRO

The EPZ Q1 Pro is a budget-friendly wired IEM with a single 10mm dynamic driver, offering a Harman-inspired, balanced sound signature with clean mids and linear treble. It stands out for its solid build, comfortable fit, and detachable cable, though its bass response and technical performance receive mixed feedback depending on the listener's priorities. Overall, it's a capable and well-tuned option for the price, but not without some compromises in dynamics and refinement.

Pro:Well-tuned, Harman-inspired sound with clean mids and natural treble
Pro:Sturdy build quality and attractive design for the price
Pro:Comfortable fit with good accessory package

Con:Upper bass lacks punch and tactility
Con:Technical performance is average for the price
Con:Midrange can sound slightly dry or shouty at times

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

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New comparison EPZ Q1 PRO KZ Zenith