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KZ AS16 Pro 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.

  • KZ AS16 Pro
  • KZ PRX
HearWiki score
68
80
Sound
6.7
7.8
Value
7.4
8.6
Price (USD)
$62
$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.

  • AS16 Pro2024
  • PRX2024

Specifications

AS16 ProPRX
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$62
$55
HearWiki score
68
80
Released
2024
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
16× balanced armature
planar magnetic
Driver type
balanced-armature
planar
Drivers per side
16
-
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
-
Impedance
18 Ω
15 Ω
Sensitivity
114 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
-
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
No
-
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
none
-
Voice assistant
No
-
Water resistance
none
-
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
No
-
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Call noise reduction
No
-

What reviewers said

KZ AS16 Pro

The KZ AS16 Pro is a wired in-ear monitor packing 16 balanced armature drivers per side, delivering a bass-forward yet controlled sound with good passive isolation. It's easy to drive from most sources, offering solid detail and clarity for its modest price, though its bulky shells and rolled-off treble may not suit everyone.

  • Pro:Powerful, controlled bass response
  • Pro:Excellent detail retrieval for the price
  • Pro:Easy to drive from any source
  • Con:Bulky, less comfortable shell design
  • Con:Rolled-off and somewhat dull treble
  • Con:Mediocre cable quality

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 comparisonKZ AS16 ProKZ PRX