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KZ ZSTImage © KZ

KZ ZST

40/ 100
Weak
HearWiki score

Poor value

$55
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
2018

Score breakdownweak overall

Sound4.8
Value1.3

The KZ ZST is a hybrid in-ear monitor earphone from KZ, featuring a combination of dynamic and balanced armature drivers for detailed sound. It is a wired IEM designed for musicians and audio enthusiasts.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The KZ ZST is a budget-friendly wired IEM with a dual dynamic driver setup that delivers a bass-forward, energetic sound. It offers a detachable cable and decent clarity for the price, though its tuning can be uneven with a recessed midrange and occasionally piercing treble. Comfort is generally acceptable, but the build feels basic and long listening sessions may not be ideal for everyone.

What works

  • Strong bass response with good low-end punch
  • Detachable cable for easy replacement or upgrades
  • Good value for the price
  • Decent clarity and instrument separation

What doesn't

  • Recessed midrange can push vocals back in the mix
  • Treble can be harsh or piercing on some tracks
  • Basic build quality
  • Fit may cause discomfort over extended use

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

Specifications

Audio - KZ ZST
Driver2× 10 mm dynamic
Driver typedynamic
Drivers per side2
Frequency response20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance18 Ω
Sensitivity120 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

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

audiobudget.com

90

AudioBudget describes the KZ ZST as a very clear and detailed budget earphone with a detachable cable and solid separation. The reviewer warns that the treble can be piercing, especially on some vocal-heavy tracks, and that the build quality feels fairly basic.

Read the full review

thephonograph.net

81

The review praises the ZST for strong bass, good fit and comfort, and very good value for money. It also criticizes the mids and highs, saying the tuning can sound harsh and recessed in the wrong places.

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 3 videos

Reviewers agree the KZ ZST delivers impressive sound quality for its $20 price, often outperforming pricier competitors like the Shure SE215, with punchy bass and clear detail.

Reviewers liked

  • Excellent sound quality for the price
  • Very affordable at $20
  • Good bass and clarity
  • Removable cables

Reviewers flagged

  • Plastic build feels cheap
  • Bulky in the ear
  • Junky cables
  • Poor microphone quality
  • Significant sound leakage at high volumes
3:58

$20 IEM Earbuds Worth Buying? (KZ ZST Review)

MS Tech68.3K viewsSep 2020

The reviewer, a first-time IEM user, was impressed with the KZ ZST's sound quality, especially the bass and clarity, and appreciated the premium feel of the unboxing and design. They found the microphone to be poor and noted significant sound leakage at high volumes, but overall recommend them as a great budget entry point for $20.

8:52

KZ ZST Review | Insane Sound Quality for $20! [2018]

EL JEFE REVIEWS35K viewsOct 2018

The reviewer highly recommends the KZ ZST in-ear monitors, praising their exceptional sound quality, particularly for rock and classical music, and their incredible value at around $20. He notes the plastic build feels cheap but considers it acceptable given the price, and suggests swapping ear tips for memory foam for better fit and sound.

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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Alternatives in the $27–$110 range

Other wired iems models at a comparable price, ordered by HearWiki score.

More from KZ

Other KZ models in the database, same category first.

Where it sits in our rankings

The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.