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KZ ZEXImage © KZ

KZ ZEX

55/ 100
Average
HearWiki score

Pricey for what it is

$34
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
2021

Score breakdownaverage overall

Sound5.8
Value5.7

The KZ ZEX is a hybrid in-ear earphone combining a 6.8mm low-voltage electrostatic unit for high frequencies and a 10mm dual magnetic dynamic unit for mids and lows, offering a wide 20Hz-40kHz frequency response. It features a zinc alloy body, ergonomic design, and a standard 2-Pin interface for cable upgrades.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The KZ ZEX is an affordable tribrid wired earphone that delivers a warm, bass-forward sound with decent sub-bass punch and easy drivability. It offers a comfortable fit and a generally smooth, non-fatiguing tuning, though its technical performance and overall refinement are limited for the price.

What works

  • Strong sub-bass punch
  • Easy to drive
  • Comfortable fit
  • Good value for a tribrid
  • Non-fatiguing tuning

What doesn't

  • Bass can bleed into mids
  • Recessed lower mids
  • Treble can get harsh at high volumes
  • Moderate soundstage and imaging

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

Specifications

Audio - KZ ZEX
Driver1DD + 1PL + 1EST tribrid
Driver typetribrid
Driver configuration1DD + 1PL + 1EST
Drivers per side3
Frequency response20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance25 Ω
Sensitivity103 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

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

audiofool.reviews

56

The reviewer praises the ZEX for its sub-bass punch, easy drivability, and low price, while noting a fairly restrained overall tuning. The downsides are bass bleed, recessed mids, and a presentation that may be too polite for some listeners.

Read the full review

audioreviews.org

50

The reviewer finds the ZEX pleasant and easy to listen to, with comfortable wear and an inoffensive overall tuning. The main drawbacks are boomy bass, recessed lower mids, and treble that can turn harsh at higher volumes.

Read the full review

soundphilereview.com

80

The reviewer sees the KZ ZEX as a strong budget earphone with a comfortable fit, good isolation, and a tuning that is smoother and more appealing than older KZ models. The main criticisms are some treble detail loss and occasional muddiness in the mids.

Read the full review

head-fi.org

This review describes the ZEX as a warm, vocal-friendly IEM with decent detail for the price, but with only moderate technical performance in imaging, separation, and dynamics. It is presented as a solid value buy rather than a reference-grade performer.

Read the full review

primeaudio.org

This review treats the ZEX as a convincing budget hybrid with coherent tuning, good value, and a non-fatiguing sound. Its limitations are a lack of treble energy and only moderate soundstage size.

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

Positiveacross 6 videos

Reviewers largely agree that the KZ ZEX is a well-built, comfortable budget hybrid IEM offering good value, with a warm, balanced sound that suits treble-sensitive listeners.

Reviewers liked

  • Excellent build quality
  • Comfortable fit
  • Good value for the price
  • Balanced, warm sound with smooth treble

Reviewers flagged

  • Somewhat closed soundstage
  • Average detail retrieval
  • Sibilant highs in some cases
  • Bass may need EQ for bass-heavy genres
11:18

New reptilian overlord technology! | KZ ZEX Review

Prime Audio Reviews27.8K viewsOct 2021

The reviewer finds the KZ ZEX to be a very good budget hybrid IEM with excellent build quality and comfort, offering a mature, warm sound with smooth treble and good coherency. While it performs well for the price, the reviewer personally prefers the CCA NRA for its better clarity and detail, but still recommends the ZEX, especially for treble-sensitive listeners.

7:07

KZ ZEX In-Ear-Monitors: ULTIMATE REVIEW

Purecast 920.7K viewsNov 2022

The reviewer finds the KZ ZEX to be an excellent pair of wired in-ear monitors for the price, praising their robust build, comfortable fit, and balanced sound quality with sharp highs, natural vocals, and accurate bass. The only noted downside is the lack of wireless connectivity, but the reviewer argues that wired sound quality justifies this choice.

7:06

KZ Acoustics ZEX Review | Headphone Zone Unboxing Episode 5 | Best Earphones Under Rs.2500

Paul's POV15.1K viewsSep 2022

The reviewer is highly impressed with the KZ ZEX, praising its premium build and the inclusion of an electrostatic driver at a budget price. They find the soundstage and imaging excellent, though they note the highs can be sibilant and the bass needs EQ tweaking for bass-heavy genres. Overall, they consider it a terrific beginner IEM that punches well above its price.

18:42

KZ ZEX - Finally a KZ done right

Akros5.6K viewsOct 2021

The reviewer praises the KZ ZEX as a well-executed budget IEM, noting its balanced and coherent sound with good mid-bass, smooth mids, and nice highs, though it lacks some detail retrieval and has a somewhat closed soundstage. He considers it a significant improvement over the DQ6 and a great value at $25, hoping KZ builds on this foundation for higher-end models.

18:00

KZ ZEX - Not your traditional KZ hybrid

Paul Wasabii3.5K viewsNov 2021

The reviewer finds the KZ ZEX to be a departure from KZ's typical V-shaped sound, offering a more mid-centric and vocal-focused tuning with restrained bass and treble. While it's an interesting hybrid to try for KZ fans, it lacks the fun, engaging energy of other KZ models and has some coherence and staging issues, making it a mixed experience.

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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