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KZ ZESImage © KZ

KZ ZES

63/ 100
Good
HearWiki score

Priced about right

$47
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
2022

Score breakdowngood overall

Sound6.1
Value4.8

The KZ ZES is a hybrid in-ear monitor combining a 12mm dynamic driver for mid and low frequencies with a 6.8mm electrostatic driver for high frequencies, featuring a metal cavity and a high-purity silver-plated cable.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The KZ ZES is a wired hybrid IEM with a 12mm dynamic driver paired with a tweeter, delivering a lively, V-shaped sound signature that emphasizes bass impact and crisp treble. Its 32-ohm impedance and 113dB sensitivity make it easy to drive from most sources, while the detachable cable adds practical versatility. With a solid build and energetic tuning, it's a fun budget pick for bass lovers who still want clear vocals.

What works

  • Punchy, engaging bass from the larger dynamic driver
  • Clear and extended treble for energetic playback
  • Detachable 3.5mm cable for easy replacement
  • Solid build quality at a budget price point
  • Easy to drive with any phone or dongle

What doesn't

  • Midrange can feel recessed due to V-shaped tuning
  • Treble may be sharp for sensitive listeners
  • No noise isolation or ANC features
  • Sound signature leans fun over neutral accuracy

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

Specifications

Audio - KZ ZES
Driver2-driver hybrid
Driver typehybrid
Drivers per side2
Frequency response20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance32 Ω
Sensitivity113 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.

blog.ear-phone-review.com

85

This review rates the KZ ZES highly overall and praises its build quality and bass performance. It also notes that the treble and midrange are less impressive than the low end, but still finds the earphone to be a strong value.

Read the full review

head-fi.org

The reviewer describes the KZ ZES as a mildly V-shaped hybrid IEM with good vocal clarity and treble extension. The overall impression is positive, with strong bass performance and a recommendation for listeners who want a fun, energetic tuning.

Read the full review

headphonezone.in

This roundup says the KZ ZES has a polished build and an aggressive V-shaped sound, with bass that is more engaging thanks to the larger dynamic driver. It presents the model as a fun, energetic budget hybrid rather than a neutral tuning.

Read the full review

porta.fi

This review frames the KZ ZES as another KZ hybrid using an electret-like driver that KZ labels electrostatic. The overall takeaway is that it is part of KZ’s continuing experimentation with hybrid designs rather than a radical departure.

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.

The consensus

Mixedacross 3 videos

Reviewers agree the KZ ZES is a solid budget IEM with strong bass and good detail, though they differ on its overall tuning: most found the mids recessed, but one praised them as natural, while another noted the treble is pulled back and another flagged a sibilant peak.

Reviewers liked

  • Deep, punchy bass from the 12mm dynamic driver
  • Excellent upgraded 8-core silver-plated cable
  • Good detail retrieval and imaging

Reviewers flagged

  • Mids are recessed, reducing clarity
  • Fit is poor, requiring larger ear tips that stick out
  • Treble issues: either pulled back or overly prominent with sibilance
17:11

How Does The NEW 12mm SUPER Dynamic Driver Sound In The KZ ZES IEM's?

Hobart's Reviews7.9K viewsMar 2022

The reviewer finds the KZ ZES to be a solid budget IEM with impressive deep bass from the new 12mm dynamic driver, making hip-hop and rock sound great. However, the mids and highs are pulled back, making the sound less bright, and the fit is problematic, requiring larger ear tips that cause the IEMs to stick out. The included cable is a standout upgrade, but the overall tuning may not suit those who prefer more treble energy.

13:02

Thoughts On...KZ ZES

Paul Wasabii3.4K viewsMar 2022

The reviewer finds the KZ ZES to be a decent budget earphone with a more controlled bass and natural mids compared to typical KZ tuning, but notes it falls short of the BL-03 due to a recessed midrange and an overly prominent upper treble that causes sibilance. The soundstage is praised as excellent for the price, though the overall tuning issues and odd treble timbre prevent a strong recommendation.

10:56

KZ ZES Earbud / IEM | Unboxing & Review

ian fann2.8K viewsFeb 2022

The reviewer finds the KZ ZES to be a well-designed hybrid IEM with a V-shaped sound signature, offering solid bass and good detail for its class, though the mids are slightly recessed and the treble has a peak that may bother some. It's best suited for energetic genres like EDM and metal, while classical and sentimental music are less ideal. Overall, it's a decent, enjoyable budget option with average fit and soundstage.

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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