Wired IEMs
JLab Metal Earbuds Black
58Average
$15
Full review dataJLab Metal Earbuds Black vs KZ Ling Long: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the KZ Ling Long comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 72. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: KZ Ling Long - Good overall at around $16.
Wired IEMs
KZ Ling Long
72Good
$16
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
JLab Metal Earbuds Black
Sound5.0
Value7.0
KZ Ling Long
Sound7.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | JLab Metal Earbuds Black | KZ Ling Long |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $15 | $16 |
| HearWiki score | 58 / 100 · Average | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2017 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | XUN-6 external magnetic dynamic unit |
| Driver size | 8 mm | 6 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-40kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 25 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 103 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 4.1 | - |
| Codecs | SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 h | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Controls | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | - | 83 g |
| Water resistance | IP55 | - |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
What reviewers said
JLab Metal Earbuds Black
These budget-friendly wireless earbuds offer a sturdy metal construction and a secure fit, making them a reliable choice for everyday listening. With IP55 water resistance and a compact 8mm driver, they deliver decent sound for casual use, though the battery life is modest and the connection relies on older Bluetooth 4.1 technology.
- Pro:Durable metal housing
- Pro:IP55 water resistance
- Pro:Compact and lightweight
- Con:Short 6-hour battery life
- Con:Only SBC codec support
- Con:No multipoint connection
KZ Ling Long
The KZ Ling Long is a budget-friendly wired IEM with a compact bullet-style shell and a warm, engaging sound signature. It offers solid build quality and good value, though its technical abilities are modest and it can get congested on complex tracks. Its open-back-inspired design gives a notably spacious soundstage for the price, but clarity and refinement are not its strengths.
- Pro:Very good build quality for the price
- Pro:Warm, enjoyable tuning with solid bass
- Pro:Spacious soundstage for an inexpensive IEM
- Con:Average technical performance and detail retrieval
- Con:Can sound congested on busy, dense music
- Con:No inline controls or microphone
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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