JLab JBuds Pro vs KZ Castor: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the KZ Castor comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 73. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: KZ Castor - Great overall at around $16.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

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

KZ Castor leads on 3 of 4 measures.

JLab JBuds Pro
KZ Castor

HearWiki score

Sound

6.0

6.8

Value

7.0

9.0

Price (USD)

$16

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

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.

JBuds ProYear unknown
Castor2023

Level on: Custom EQ.

Specifications

JBuds ProCastor

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $9; $16
HearWiki score: 66; 73
Released: -; 2023
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 10 mm dynamic; 2× 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 2
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω; 31 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 105 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: No; No
ANC type: none; none
Transparency mode: No; No
Companion app: No; No
Custom EQ: Yes; Yes
Wear detection: No; No
Controls: buttons; none
Voice assistant: Yes; -
Weight: 13 g; -
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: No; No
Connector: 3.5 mm; 3.5 mm
Microphones: 1; -

Specification comparison of JLab JBuds Pro vs KZ Castor
Spec	JLab JBuds Pro	KZ Castor
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$9	$16
HearWiki score	66 / 100 Good	73 / 100 Great
Released	-	2023
Audio
Driver	10 mm dynamic	2× 10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	2
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance	32 Ω	31 Ω
Sensitivity	-	105 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
ANC type	none	none
Transparency mode	No	No
Companion app	No	No
Custom EQ	Yes	Yes
Wear detection	No	No
Controls	buttons	none
Voice assistant	Yes	-
Design
Weight	13 g	-
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	No	No
Connector	3.5 mm	3.5 mm
Calls
Microphones	1	-

What reviewers said

JLab JBuds Pro

The JLab JBuds Pro are budget-friendly wired in-ear headphones with a 10mm dynamic driver and a simple button-based control scheme. They offer a wide frequency response and a customizable EQ, making them a decent option for listeners seeking basic, affordable sound without extra features like noise cancellation or app support.

Pro:Very affordable price point
Pro:Customizable EQ for sound tuning
Pro:Lightweight at just 13 grams

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:No in-line microphone for calls
Con:Lacks app support and transparency mode

KZ Castor

The KZ Castor is a budget-friendly dual-dynamic-driver IEM that offers surprising sound quality and build for its price. With physical tuning switches for sound customization, it delivers a fun, energetic response that suits gaming and general music listening, though its technical performance remains average and stock accessories are basic. The detachable cable and comfortable fit add to its appeal as an easy recommendation for entry-level listeners.

Pro:Excellent value for the price
Pro:Tuning switches for sound customization
Pro:Dual dynamic drivers deliver strong bass

Con:Slight treble sibilance at times
Con:Vocals can sound artificial or muddy
Con:Stock accessories are weak

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparison JLab JBuds Pro KZ Castor