Wired IEMs
KZ Zenith
82Great
$47
Full review dataKZ Zenith vs Moondrop MAY: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the KZ Zenith comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: KZ Zenith - Great overall at around $47.
Wired IEMs
Moondrop MAY
72Good
$65
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
KZ Zenith
Sound8.5
Value8.0
Moondrop MAY
Sound7.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | KZ Zenith | Moondrop MAY |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $47 | $65 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2024 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Full-range ultra-linear Dynamic Driver X | 10mm sapphire-plated diaphragm dynamic driver + 6mm annular planar magnetic driver |
| Driver size | 10 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-40kHz | 7Hz-39kHz |
| Impedance | 41 Ω | 30 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 128 dB/mW | 105 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | - | 4 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
What reviewers said
KZ Zenith
The KZ Zenith is a wired, single-dynamic-driver IEM that delivers a balanced, non-fatiguing sound with punchy bass, detailed mids, and smooth treble. It's highly sensitive and easy to drive, making it a versatile choice for portable use, while its build quality and fit are praised. Despite a few minor caveats, it offers strong technical performance and competes well above its modest price point.
- Pro:Balanced, non-offensive tuning with textured bass
- Pro:Clear and detailed mids with refined treble
- Pro:Very easy to drive and highly sensitive
- Con:No active noise cancellation or controls
- Con:Cable is detachable but not USB-C
- Con:Minor caveats in overall technical refinement
Moondrop MAY
The Moondrop MAY is a budget-friendly hybrid IEM that pairs a dynamic driver with a planar magnetic driver, delivering a warm, bass-forward sound with smooth, non-fatiguing treble. It offers practical USB-C connectivity and a comfortable fit, making it a solid pick for casual listening, though its technical performance and companion app have some rough edges. While it doesn't excel in detail or soundstage, its natural tonal balance and strong low-end make it an enjoyable everyday option under $100.
- Pro:Warm, bass-rich tuning that's easy to enjoy
- Pro:Comfortable, lightweight fit for long sessions
- Pro:Convenient USB-C connectivity with built-in DSP
- Con:Limited detail retrieval and transient response
- Con:Soundstage feels narrow and less immersive
- Con:DSP behavior can be inconsistent or quirky
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.