Skip to content
HearWiki

KZ ZSX

60/ 100
Average
HearWiki score

Pricey for what it is

$35
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
2019

Score breakdownaverage overall

Sound6.4
Value3.7

The KZ ZSX is a 12-unit hybrid in-ear earphone featuring a 10mm double magnetic dynamic driver and multiple balanced armatures for detailed sound. It has a zinc alloy cover, 2-pin detachable cable, and is available with or without a microphone.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The KZ ZSX is a budget-friendly hybrid in-ear monitor that combines a single dynamic driver with five balanced armatures for a detailed, energetic sound. It offers strong value with punchy bass, lively mids, and a generally balanced tuning, though its larger shells and a slight upper-treble peak may not suit everyone. Overall, it's a compelling choice for listeners seeking an engaging, affordable hybrid experience.

What works

  • Excellent value for its price
  • Punchy bass and lively mids
  • Detailed hybrid driver setup
  • Detachable cable for upgrades
  • Attractive and original design

What doesn't

  • Large shells may cause discomfort
  • Harsh upper treble peak can cause fatigue
  • Build quality feels decent but not premium

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

Specifications

Audio - KZ ZSX
Driver1DD + 5BA hybrid
Driver typehybrid
Driver configuration1DD + 5BA
Drivers per side6
Frequency response7 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance24 Ω
Sensitivity111 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

69

The reviewer describes the ZSX as a well-tuned hybrid with a generally balanced presentation and especially strong mids for a KZ model. The review is positive overall, while still pointing to a few areas that are less refined than top-tier earphones.

Read the full review

soundphilereview.com

67

This review praises the ZSX for its original design, decent build, and good bass and midrange presence, but notes that the large shells can become uncomfortable. It also flags a harsh peak in the upper treble that can cause fatigue.

Read the full review

thephonograph.net

85

This review finds the KZ ZSX to be a strong value, highlighting punchy bass, lively mids, and an attractive new design. It presents the earphone as a compelling budget hybrid with very good fit stability and output.

Read the full review

audiophileon.com

The reviewer says the KZ ZSX delivers sound quality that exceeds its price, with performance that feels above its class. The overall verdict is positive, with the product explicitly marked as recommended.

Read the full review

headphonesty.com

The reviewer lists the ZSX’s technical strengths as its hybrid driver setup and accessible tuning, while presenting it as a budget earphone with broad appeal. The available excerpt is mostly specifications rather than a detailed judgment, but the tone is favorable.

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 4 videos

Reviewers agree the KZ ZSX is a technically capable, V-shaped IEM that offers strong value under $50, with most praising its detailed sound, tight bass, and improved treble naturalness over older KZ models.

Reviewers liked

  • Excellent detail and clarity for the price
  • Tight, impactful bass with a fun V-shaped signature
  • Improved treble naturalness and control over older KZ models

Reviewers flagged

  • Mids are lean and could use more warmth
  • Cable quality is cheap and tangles easily
  • Soundstage is average or inconsistent across units
5:02

KZ ZSX Review: Better Than ZS10 Pro?

Alex Hong116.4K viewsSep 2019

The reviewer finds the KZ ZSX a small but worthwhile upgrade over the ZS10 Pro, praising its more natural and less fatiguing sound with better vocals and treble control, though noting a slightly bulkier fit and a cable that tangles easily. He also compares it to the Tin T2, concluding both are good value but the T2 is more comfortable for long listening sessions.

13:32

KZ ZSX Review - LEGIT Terminator?! vs TFZ T2 vs ZS10 pro vs TRN V90 vs Tin T3

zpolt76.7K viewsSep 2019

The reviewer finds the KZ ZSX to be the most technically capable KZ earphone they've heard, with impressive detail, a large soundstage, and good imaging. However, they note a peaky high that makes cymbals sound thin, and while they prefer it over the ZS10 Pro and TRN V90, they still favor the Tin T3 and TFZ T2 for their more accurate and engaging sound. Overall, it's a strong recommendation for casual listening but not the top pick in its price range.

8:23

KZ ZSX "Terminator" Review - Judgement Day

Prime Audio Reviews24.7K viewsSep 2019

The reviewer highly recommends the KZ ZSX Terminator as one of the best IEMs under $50, praising its V-shaped sound with tight bass, clear mids, and improved treble that sounds more natural than previous KZ models. While it can be slightly fatiguing and the mids could use more warmth, it offers excellent value and outperforms the Tin HiFi T2 in clarity and detail, though the T2 has a more natural tone.

20:30

KZ ZSX Full Sound Review - The Armchair Audiophile

The Armchair Audiophile15K viewsSep 2019

The reviewer finds the KZ ZSX to be a fun, V-shaped earphone that excels with hip-hop, pop, and electronic music, offering great bass impact and detail for the price. However, it has a colored sound profile, average soundstage, and struggles with instrumental music where bass instruments can sound bloated. Overall, it's recommended for casual listening but not for critical or reference use.

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

Own these? Rate them.

A minute of your experience with the KZ ZSX helps the next person shopping for them.

Alternatives in the $17–$69 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.