KZ Castor vs Tangzu Waner S.G: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Tangzu Waner S.G comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Tangzu Waner S.G - Outstanding overall at around $19.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

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

Tangzu Waner S.G leads on 4 of 5 measures.

KZ Castor
Tangzu Waner S.G

HearWiki score

Sound

6.8

8.0

Calls

4.5

Value

9.0

9.5

Price (USD)

$16

$19

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

KZ Castor (2023) against Tangzu Waner S.G (2022). 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.

Castor20231 yr newer
Waner S.G2022

Specifications

CastorWaner S.G

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $16; $19
HearWiki score: 73; 82
Released: 2023; 2022
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 2× 10 mm dynamic; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 2; -
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz; -
Impedance: 31 Ω; 20 Ω
Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
ANC type: none; -
Transparency mode: No; -
Companion app: No; -
Custom EQ: Yes; -
Wear detection: No; -
Controls: none; -
Weight: -; 4 g
Detachable cable: Yes; -
USB-C: No; -
Connector: 3.5 mm; -

Specification comparison of KZ Castor vs Tangzu Waner S.G
Spec	KZ Castor	Tangzu Waner S.G
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$16	$19
HearWiki score	73 / 100 Great	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2023	2022
Audio
Driver	2× 10 mm dynamic	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	2	-
Frequency response	20 Hz - 40 kHz	-
Impedance	31 Ω	20 Ω
Sensitivity	105 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
ANC type	none	-
Transparency mode	No	-
Companion app	No	-
Custom EQ	Yes	-
Wear detection	No	-
Controls	none	-
Design
Weight	-	4 g
Detachable cable	Yes	-
USB-C	No	-
Connector	3.5 mm	-

What reviewers said

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

Tangzu Waner S.G

The Tangzu Waner S.G is a budget-friendly wired IEM with a compact, lightweight build and a 10mm dynamic driver. Its tuning leans warm and smooth, offering a relaxed, music-first sound that punches well above its price point for everyday listening.

Pro:Warm, easygoing sound signature
Pro:Very lightweight and compact
Pro:Detachable 0.78mm two-pin cable

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Lacks water resistance
Con:Not for those seeking technical detail

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 KZ Castor Tangzu Waner S.G