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HiFiMAN ES100 vs KZ PRX: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the KZ PRX 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 PRX - Great overall at around $55.

Score breakdown

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

KZ PRX leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • HiFiMAN ES100
  • KZ PRX
HearWiki score
50
80
Sound
5.9
7.8
Value
4.8
8.6
Price (USD)
$69
$55

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.

  • ES1002024
  • PRX2024

Specifications

ES100PRX
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$69
$55
HearWiki score
50
80
Released
2024
2024
Availability
Discontinued
Still sold new
Driver
15 mm dynamic
planar magnetic
Driver type
dynamic
planar
Driver size
15 mm
-
Frequency response
15 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Impedance
150 Ω
15 Ω
Sensitivity
113 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Weight
13 g
-
USB-C
No
-
Connector
3.5 mm
-

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN ES100

The HiFiMAN ES100 is a wired in-ear monitor featuring a 15mm dynamic driver in a lightweight 13g housing, aiming for detailed, spacious sound with high sensitivity for easy pairing with phones and portable players. Its 150-ohm impedance and balanced tuning deliver clear highs and mids, though bass response is more restrained than emphasized. The package includes a carry pouch and spare silicone tips for convenience.

  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable at 13g
  • Pro:High sensitivity (113 dB) for easy driving
  • Pro:Clear, well-balanced mids and highs
  • Con:Bass lacks deep low-end emphasis
  • Con:150-ohm impedance may require more power from weak sources
  • Con:Wired only with 3.5mm connector, no ANC or USB-C

KZ PRX

The KZ PRX is a budget-friendly planar magnetic IEM that offers a balanced, warm-leaning sound with strong detail retrieval and capable imaging for its price. It excels in sub-bass presence and smooth mids, though it demands proper amplification and ear tips to perform at its best. Its soundstage is decent but not exceptionally wide, and the stock cable is a noted weak point.

  • Pro:Excellent value for a planar IEM
  • Pro:Balanced, warm sound with good detail
  • Pro:Strong imaging and separation for the price
  • Con:Requires a capable source and good ear tips
  • Con:Stock cable limits performance
  • Con:Soundstage is only medium-sized

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.

New comparisonHiFiMAN ES100KZ PRX