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KZ ZSA 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.

Score breakdown

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

KZ ZSA
Sound7.0
Value8.0
Sennheiser IE 800 S
Sound8.5
Value6.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of KZ ZSA vs Sennheiser IE 800 S
SpecKZ ZSASennheiser IE 800 S
TypeWired IEMsWired IEMs
Price (USD)$20$38
HearWiki score72 / 100 · Good78 / 100 · Great
Released20192017
Audio
Driver1 balanced armature + 1 dynamic driverExtra Wide Band (XWB) drivers
Driver size8 mm7 mm
Drivers per side21
Frequency response7Hz-40kHz5Hz-46.5kHz
Impedance18 Ω16 Ω
Sensitivity101 dB/mW-
Wireless
Multipoint pairing-No
Features
Active noise cancelling-No
Design
Weight19 g8 g
Detachable cableYesYes
USB-CNoNo
Calls
Microphones1-

What reviewers said

KZ ZSA

The KZ ZSA is a budget-friendly wired earphone that pairs a dynamic driver with a balanced armature for a lively, bass-forward sound with crisp, detailed treble. Its all-metal build and detachable cable add value, though the bold tuning and bright highs may not suit everyone. Overall, it's a solid pick for listeners seeking energetic performance without spending much.

  • Pro:Sturdy metal construction for the price
  • Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement
  • Pro:Deep, punchy bass with clear vocals
  • Con:Bass can overpower some music genres
  • Con:Treble may be too sharp for sensitive ears
  • Con:Fit can be inconsistent depending on ear shape

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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