Wired IEMs
KZ ESX
66Good
$18
Full review dataKZ ESX vs TRUTHEAR HEXA: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the TRUTHEAR HEXA comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: TRUTHEAR HEXA - Great overall at around $25.
Wired IEMs
TRUTHEAR HEXA
78Great
$25
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
TRUTHEAR HEXA
Sound7.8
Value8.2
Specifications
| Spec | KZ ESX | TRUTHEAR HEXA |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $18 | $25 |
| HearWiki score | 66 / 100 · Good | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 12mm dynamic | 1DD+3BA Hybrid |
| Driver size | 12 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 4 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 22 Ω | 20.5 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 111.59 dB/mW | 120 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | - | 6 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | 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
TRUTHEAR HEXA
The TRUTHEAR HEXA is a hybrid in-ear monitor that combines a single 10mm dynamic driver with three balanced armatures to deliver a balanced, neutral-leaning sound with a slight warmth. Priced around $90, it offers a comfortable fit, solid build, and good passive isolation, making it a strong value pick for critical listening, though its bass response is somewhat restrained and the soundstage feels intimate rather than expansive. Its technical performance is competent for the price, but it's not particularly suited for gaming or high-energy activities.
- Pro:Comfortable and lightweight design
- Pro:Excellent passive noise isolation
- Pro:Balanced, neutral tuning with a touch of warmth
- Con:Bass is somewhat restrained
- Con:Soundstage is fairly intimate
- Con:Not ideal for gaming due to mediocre imaging
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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