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KZ Castor vs Tripowin Piccolo: 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.

Score breakdown

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

Tripowin Piccolo leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • KZ Castor
  • Tripowin Piccolo
HearWiki score
73
71
Sound
6.8
6.9
Value
9.0
9.6
Price (USD)
$16
$10

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 2023. 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.

  • Castor2023
  • Piccolo2023

Specifications

CastorPiccolo
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$16
$10
HearWiki score
73
71
Released
2023
2023
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
Driver
2× 10 mm dynamic
2× 11 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10 mm
11 mm
Drivers per side
2
2
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
-
Impedance
31 Ω
32 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
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
No
-
Connector
3.5 mm
-

What reviewers said

KZ Castor

The KZ Castor is a budget-friendly in-ear monitor with dual dynamic drivers and adjustable tuning switches, offering a fun, energetic sound that punches above its price. It's particularly well-suited for bass lovers and gamers, though its technical performance and accessory package are only average for the price.

  • Pro:Adjustable tuning switches for sound customization
  • Pro:Strong bass response and energetic sound signature
  • Pro:Good build quality and comfortable fit for the price
  • Con:Average technical performance and detail retrieval
  • Con:Stock cable and accessories feel cheap
  • Con:Slight treble sibilance and artificial vocals at times

Tripowin Piccolo

The Tripowin Piccolo is a budget-friendly wired earphone that delivers everyday hi-fi sound through a single 11 mm liquid crystal polymer dynamic driver with a dual-cavity design. It features a detachable 0.78 mm two-pin cable for easy replacement and simple connectivity, making it a practical pick for listeners seeking an affordable, no-frills audio experience.

  • Pro:Detachable cable for easy upgrades or replacements
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
  • Pro:Natural, balanced tuning suited to most genres
  • Con:No noise isolation or cancellation features
  • Con:Bass may lack punch for bass-heavy listeners
  • Con:Cable quality feels basic at this price point

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

Compare something else

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New comparisonKZ CastorTripowin Piccolo