Wired IEMs
KZ Castor Pro
68Good
$24
Full review dataKZ Castor Pro vs Sennheiser IE 800 S: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser IE 800 S comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sennheiser IE 800 S - Great overall at around $38.
Wired IEMs
Sennheiser IE 800 S
78Great
$38
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
KZ Castor Pro
Sound7.0
Value8.0
Sennheiser IE 800 S
Sound8.5
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | KZ Castor Pro | Sennheiser IE 800 S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $24 | $38 |
| HearWiki score | 68 / 100 · Good | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2024 | 2017 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 10mm+10mm Dual Dynamic Drivers | Extra Wide Band (XWB) drivers |
| Driver size | 10 mm | 7 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 40 kHz | 5 Hz - 46.5 kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Quick charge | none | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Voice assistant | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | - | 8 g |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
What reviewers said
KZ Castor Pro
The KZ Castor Pro is an ultra-affordable dual-dynamic-driver IEM that packs a surprising amount of tuning flexibility for its price. While it brings some technical improvements over its predecessor, its appeal depends heavily on your preference for bass-heavy or balanced sound, as its adjustable switches let you shape the low end. It's a solid budget pick for gaming and bass lovers, though it doesn't drastically outshine the original Castor for everyone.
- Pro:Quad-switch tuning for adjustable bass response
- Pro:Very affordable dual-driver setup
- Pro:Strong low-end impact and flexibility
- Con:No app support or EQ customization
- Con:Lacks a compelling upgrade over the standard Castor
- Con:Sound signature may feel too bass-forward for some
Sennheiser IE 800 S
The Sennheiser IE 800 S is a compact, high-end wired in-ear that impresses with its detailed, spacious sound and refined tuning, thanks to its single 7mm XWB driver. While it offers strong build quality and comfort, its premium price tag, noticeable cable noise, and some design quirks may give potential buyers pause.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and expansive soundstage
- Pro:Natural, cohesive tuning with strong sub-bass
- Pro:Very small and lightweight for comfortable extended wear
- Con:High price that may not fully match performance
- Con:Noticeable cable microphonics
- Con:Not a neutral or linear frequency response
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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