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KZ PhantomImage © KZ

KZ Phantom

73/ 100
Great
HearWiki score

Good value

$48
typical price, USD
Still sold newupdated
Manufacturer pageBuy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
KZ
Type
Wired IEMs
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2024

Score breakdowngreat overall

Sound7.2
Value8.0

The KZ Phantom is a flagship dynamic driver IEM with a full-metal cavity, featuring a high-rigidity 'Dome Core' 2nd-gen ultra-linear driver and 4-way tuning switches, co-tuned by professional esports players for gaming and music.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The KZ Phantom is an affordable single dynamic-driver wired IEM that combines a lively, detailed sound with practical extras like a USB-C cable and onboard tuning switches. It's positioned as a versatile option for both music and gaming, with a bright, energetic signature that benefits from precise imaging. The tuning switches allow for noticeable bass and treble adjustments, making it a flexible pick for those who like to tweak their sound.

What works

  • Strong separation and precise imaging for gaming
  • Tuning switches offer noticeable sound adjustments
  • USB-C cable adds convenience and direct connectivity
  • Energetic, clear sound signature
  • Good value for the price

What doesn't

  • Bright tuning may not suit listeners wanting a relaxed sound
  • No app support or custom EQ
  • Plastic build may feel less premium
  • Wired-only design limits portability

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - KZ Phantom
Driverdynamic
Driver typedynamic
Drivers per side1
Frequency response20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance41 Ω
Sensitivity128 dB/mW

Where to buy

Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.

What the reviews said

4 source(s) feeding this product's score.

kajetblog.com

96

The reviewer praises the Phantom for strong separation, precise imaging, and a clear, energetic sound that works especially well for FPS gaming. They also note that the USB-C direct-connect design and built-in tuning options make it very flexible, but the overall presentation suggests it is less ideal for listeners who want a softer or more relaxed sound.

Read the full review

gadgeneko.jp

This review says the Phantom is KZ’s early-2026 1DD earphone positioned as a successor to the Zenith and aimed at both music listening and gaming. Its conclusion is broadly positive about sound, appearance, and cable quality, while treating the tuning switches as a secondary feature rather than the main reason to buy it.

Read the full review

note.com

This review reports that the switch system changes the sound in a noticeable way, with the first three switches boosting bass and the fourth reducing treble. The author’s account supports the idea that the Phantom is highly tuneable and that its stock presentation can be shaped substantially to taste.

Read the full review

youtube.com

The reviewer characterizes the KZ Phantom as an affordable single dynamic-driver model, typically in the $40–$50 range, and notes that the USB-C version includes a special cable with added functionality. The overall impression is that KZ is aiming at a value-focused listener who wants a modern feature set rather than a purely audiophile product.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

20:25

KZ Phantom

Jaytiss6K viewsJan 2026

The reviewer finds the KZ Phantom to be a well-built and good-sounding single dynamic driver IEM, with a metal shell, dip switches for tuning, and a USBC cable. It has a minor V-shaped sound with rich tonality, good detail, and airy presentation, though the upper mids may be too present for some. The reviewer considers it competitive with more expensive sets and one of KZ's better tunings, recommending it for those who like a clean, detailed sound.

14:52

KZ Phantom: are they a real upgrade over KZ Zenith for gamers?

HiFi Zone3.2K viewsMar 2026

The reviewer finds the KZ Phantom to be a genuine upgrade over the KZ Zenith, offering better technicalities like speed, detail, and treble openness while retaining a warm, relaxed signature. They praise the tuning flexibility via switches and USB modes, and recommend the USB-C version for its value, though they note the bass lacks some nuance and the high impedance/sensitivity requires source matching.

9:02

KZ Phantom Review – Did KZ Finally Get It RIGHT!

Practiphile2.5K viewsApr 2026

The reviewer finds the KZ Phantom to be a bright-sounding IEM that is technically similar to its predecessor, the Zenith, but with a more forward upper midrange and treble. While the build quality is improved, the tuning is too bright for long listening sessions, and the bass feels lacking. The reviewer suggests EQ adjustments or choosing the Zenith instead, and notes that other budget IEMs like the Tiers or Kuntun may be better tuned for music.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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Where it sits in our rankings

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