KZ PRX vs TRUTHEAR 1: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the KZ PRX comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 80. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: KZ PRX - Great overall at around $55.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

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

KZ PRX leads on 3 of 4 measures.

KZ PRX
TRUTHEAR 1

HearWiki score

Sound

7.8

8.0

Value

8.6

8.5

Price (USD)

$55

$65

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

The KZ PRX is 5 years newer, but it is 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. For 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

PRX20245 yr newer
12019

Specifications

PRX1

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $55; $65
HearWiki score: 80; 73
Released: 2024; 2019
Availability: Still sold new; Discontinued
Driver: planar magnetic; 1DD + 3BA hybrid
Driver type: planar; hybrid
Driver configuration: -; 1DD + 3BA
Driver size: -; 10 mm
Drivers per side: -; 4
Frequency response: -; 20 Hz - 40.5 kHz
Impedance: 15 Ω; 17.5 Ω
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): -; 117.5
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Connector: -; 2-pin 0.78 mm
Model code: -; ZERO:RED

Specification comparison of KZ PRX vs TRUTHEAR 1
Spec	KZ PRX	TRUTHEAR 1
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$55	$65
HearWiki score	80 / 100 Great	73 / 100 Great
Released	2024	2019
Audio
Driver	planar magnetic	1DD + 3BA hybrid
Driver type	planar	hybrid
Driver configuration	-	1DD + 3BA
Driver size	-	10 mm
Drivers per side	-	4
Frequency response	-	20 Hz - 40.5 kHz
Impedance	15 Ω	17.5 Ω
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	-	117.5
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Connector	-	2-pin 0.78 mm
Model code	-	ZERO:RED

What reviewers said

KZ PRX

The KZ PRX is a budget-friendly planar magnetic IEM that offers a balanced, warm-leaning sound with strong detail retrieval and capable imaging for its price. It excels in sub-bass presence and smooth mids, though it demands proper amplification and ear tips to perform at its best. Its soundstage is decent but not exceptionally wide, and the stock cable is a noted weak point.

Pro:Excellent value for a planar IEM
Pro:Balanced, warm sound with good detail
Pro:Strong imaging and separation for the price

Con:Requires a capable source and good ear tips
Con:Stock cable limits performance
Con:Soundstage is only medium-sized

TRUTHEAR 1

The TRUTHEAR 1 is a budget-friendly hybrid IEM that pairs a single dynamic driver with three balanced armatures for a detailed, four-driver setup. Its tuning leans toward a warm, bass-rich sound with smooth treble, making it a versatile pick for music and immersive gaming alike. While it offers strong value for the price, the fit may not suit everyone due to its larger nozzle and ear-hook design.

Pro:Excellent value for a hybrid driver setup
Pro:Warm, bass-forward sound with smooth treble
Pro:Good for action games and immersive audio

Con:Comfort issues for some due to large nozzle and ear hooks
Con:Warm tuning may be too thick for treble-sensitive listeners
Con:Not a standout for sports or competitive gaming scenarios

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparison KZ PRX TRUTHEAR 1