Wired IEMs
KZ ESX
66Good
$18
Full review dataKZ ESX vs KZ Krila: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the KZ Krila comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: KZ Krila - Great overall at around $34.
Wired IEMs
KZ Krila
78Great
$34
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
KZ ESX
Sound6.0
Value7.5
KZ Krila
Sound8.0
Value9.0
Specifications
| Spec | KZ ESX | KZ Krila |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $18 | $34 |
| HearWiki score | 66 / 100 · Good | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 12mm dynamic | 1DD + 1BA hybrid (2nd-gen 10 mm XUN dynamic driver + 30005 balanced armature) |
| Driver size | 12 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-40kHz |
| Impedance | 22 Ω | 28 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 111.59 dB/mW | 106 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | No |
What reviewers said
KZ ESX
The KZ ESX is a budget-friendly wired IEM built around a single 12mm dynamic driver, offering a durable design and detachable cable for its low price. Its sound signature leans toward value and impact rather than technical refinement, so it handles casual listening well but can feel congested with complex tracks. Overall, it's a reasonable entry-level pick for those prioritizing affordability and build over audiophile-grade clarity.
- Pro:Very affordable price point
- Pro:Solid build quality with detachable cable
- Pro:Punchy, engaging bass response
- Con:Limited resolution and detail retrieval
- Con:Can sound congested with busy music
- Con:Not competitive with pricier IEMs on clarity
KZ Krila
The KZ Krila is a budget-friendly hybrid IEM that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with a balanced armature for a surprisingly mature, well-balanced sound. It offers excellent build quality and technical performance that rivals pricier models, though its treble can occasionally come across as sharp and the tuning switches provide only subtle changes. For the price, it delivers strong value and comfortable fit, making it a solid pick for budget-conscious listeners.
- Pro:Excellent build quality for the price
- Pro:Well-balanced, mature sound signature
- Pro:Strong technical performance and detail retrieval
- Con:Treble can be harsh at times
- Con:Tuning switches have minimal audible effect
- Con:Lacks features like ANC or wireless connectivity
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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