Wired IEMs
KZ ZEX
66Good
$22
Full review dataKZ ZEX vs Sennheiser IE 800 S: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser IE 800 S comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sennheiser IE 800 S - Great overall at around $38.
Wired IEMs
Sennheiser IE 800 S
78Great
$38
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
KZ ZEX
Sound6.5
Value7.0
Sennheiser IE 800 S
Sound8.5
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | KZ ZEX | Sennheiser IE 800 S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $22 | $38 |
| HearWiki score | 66 / 100 · Good | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2021 | 2017 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 1 dynamic + 1 electret/magnetostatic hybrid | Extra Wide Band (XWB) drivers |
| Driver size | 10 mm | 7 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-40kHz | 5Hz-46.5kHz |
| Impedance | 25 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | - | 8 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
What reviewers said
KZ ZEX
The KZ ZEX is a budget-friendly hybrid IEM that pairs a dynamic driver with an electret driver for a warm, easygoing sound. It offers solid sub-bass punch and a non-fatiguing tuning that suits vocals, though its technical performance and treble energy are modest. With a comfortable fit and detachable cable, it's a good value pick for casual listeners rather than detail chasers.
- Pro:Strong sub-bass punch
- Pro:Easy to drive from any source
- Pro:Comfortable, secure fit
- Con:Bass can bleed into mids
- Con:Recessed lower mids at times
- Con:Limited treble sparkle and detail
Sennheiser IE 800 S
The Sennheiser IE 800 S is a compact, high-end wired in-ear that impresses with its detailed, spacious sound and refined tuning, thanks to its single 7mm XWB driver. While it offers strong build quality and comfort, its premium price tag, noticeable cable noise, and some design quirks may give potential buyers pause.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and expansive soundstage
- Pro:Natural, cohesive tuning with strong sub-bass
- Pro:Very small and lightweight for comfortable extended wear
- Con:High price that may not fully match performance
- Con:Noticeable cable microphonics
- Con:Not a neutral or linear frequency response
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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