Best KZ In-Ear Monitors
KZ Acoustics launched in 2013 and has quickly become a top source for budget earphones. The company has also released a wide range of products and recently also released their first KZ ANC wireless headphones.
When looking for the best KZ in-ear monitors, the options can be overwhelming. I own a lot of these units and have reviewed them independently, here is the high-level break down.
The truth is KZ release IEMs at great speed so it can be hard to keep up.
- 1. KZ AS10 Five-Drive Stereo High Fidelity In-Ear Monitors
- 2. KZ AS12 In-Ear Monitors with Detachable Cable
- 3. KZ AS16 Pro IEM – 16BA (8 per unit) – Updated in 2022
- 4. KZ ZSX 1DD+5DBA Hybrid IEM Earphones
- 5. KZ Zax IEM – 1 Dynamic and 7 BA Drivers
- 6. KZ ZS10 Pro 4BA+1DD 5 Driver In-Ear Monitors
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
The best all-round choice from the KZ in-ear monitor line is still the KZ ZS10 Pro. The newer KZ Zax in-ear monitor with 1 x DD and 7 x balanced armature drivers is one to watch or buy if you’re an early adopter.
The ZS10 is really well priced, has a nice balanced sound for a fantastic price. This IEM punches well above it’s weight.
If you want the best value for your money while enjoying high-fidelity audio, check out the following six KZ ear monitors.
1. KZ AS10 Five-Drive Stereo High Fidelity In-Ear Monitors
The KZ AS10 offers high-quality sound at an affordable price. Each ear has a two-pin connection for the detachable braided audio cable. The outer shell and internal structure are made using high-precision 3D printers and metal parts for increased durability and a fuller sound.
As with most KZ in-ear monitors (IEMs), the AS10 features balanced armatures instead of dynamic drivers. Each ear has five armatures that are specifically tuned to handle specific frequencies.
The low-frequency armatures deliver the bass sounds while the mid-range and high-range notes are sent to the other armatures. This provides superior sound isolation compared to monitors with dynamic drivers. You get a richer sound and better treble performance with slightly less bass response.
The KZ AS10 headphones come with two sets of standard ear tips, which includes a small size and a large size to fit most users. The rounded design of the shell and the provided ear tips offer comfortable listening. However, if you plan on wearing them for extended periods, you may want to get a pair of foam ear tips.
Overall, the KZ AS10 in-ear monitors provide solid high-fidelity audio at a low price. You get decent bass that does not overpower the clear high frequencies, producing rich, crisp audio.
Pros
- Includes five balanced armatures for rich audio
- Compatible with most two-pin audio cables
- Delivers clear, crisp audio comparable to much more expensive IEMs
Cons
- Some audiophiles may prefer more bass boost
- The provided ear tips may not be comfortable for long sessions
2. KZ AS12 In-Ear Monitors with Detachable Cable
The KZ AS12 In-Ear Monitors are a step up from the AS10 monitors. Each side provides six balanced armatures instead of five. The extra armatures allow KZ to isolate the audio into additional frequency ranges, delivering a more robust sound across the entire frequency spectrum.
KZ designed the AS12 to improve voice density and deliver finer details in the mid-frequency range compared to the AS10. If you need in-ear monitors for isolating vocals, this may be the better option.
As with the AS10, the AS12 features a detachable two-pin audio cable with braided wire. Most KZ IEMs include similar cables. They are inexpensive and easy to replace.
Bluetooth upgrades are also available. If you want to add Bluetooth connectivity, you simply need to purchase the two-pin Bluetooth module.
The AS12 is one of the more comfortable pairs of IEMs. It conforms to the shape of your ear canal, allowing for hours of use. Each ear is also fitted with a silicone sleeve to reduce outside noise. It can effectively cancel up to 26dB of noise.
Pros
- Comfortable noise-canceling silicone sleeves
- The additional armatures improve vocal clarity
- Includes three sizes of ear tips (small, medium, and large)
Cons
- The shell is slightly large, which may not appeal to some audiophiles
- Costs a little more compared to other budget KZ in-ear monitors
3. KZ AS16 Pro IEM – 16BA (8 per unit) – Updated in 2022
This is an update of the AS16, now the AS16 Pro and it’s a beautiful budget IEM.
You can see the full review here but if you’re not wanting to see the full deal then know these are a really nice sounding IEM. Perfect? No, but gee they impressed me for the price.
The 8 x BA drivers per ear have a full, rich and natural sounding sound signature. Very balanced and the sound stage is wide and rich.
The treble frequencies get 4 BA drivers all to themselves with 2 BA for mids and 2 BA for bottom end on each side.
While there are some gaps in the frequencies, the overall sound is really nice. With the right bass tracks you’ll be smiling.
Pros
- Rich, warm and balanced sound signature
- Full, natural, and relatively tight bass
- Good looking unit and a nice upgrade from the AS16
Cons
- Not a lot for the price but the fit wasn’t ideal for me and took some tweaking before I was happy
- Some frequencies are not as forward as they could be but I’d be really picking on them to say that
4. KZ ZSX 1DD+5DBA Hybrid IEM Earphones
The KZ ZSX is a pair of hybrid IEM earphones. Instead of relying solely on balanced armatures, the KZ ZSX adds a dynamic driver to each earbud.
Balanced armatures are tuned to specific frequency ranges while dynamic drivers play the entire range. Covering the entire frequency range provides less detail but offers a more natural sound.
Each ear has five balanced armatures and one dynamic driver, for a total of six drivers per side. By combining balanced armatures with a dynamic driver, the KZ ZSX offers more texture and warmth to the audio. It also adds more bass, which should suit bassists and percussionists.
The upper shell of the earbuds is constructed from zinc alloy with a resin cavity. The overall design is lightweight and comfortable. The lower shell has a low-profile design that rests comfortably in your ears.
The KZ ZSX also includes the standard two-pin cable found on other KZ IEMs. As with the BA10 headset, it has gold-plated pins instead of silver, which may help reduce signal loss.
Pros
- Includes gold-plated pins to prevent signal loss
- The hybrid design delivers more bass
- The low-profile shell is comfortable
Cons
- The provided cable is not durable and may not last long
- While the inner shell comes in different colors, the outer shell is metallic
5. KZ Zax IEM – 1 Dynamic and 7 BA Drivers
The KZ Zax, like the AS16 Pro, is a 16-driver IEM. The difference is that these have 1 x dynamic driver and 7 x balanced armature drivers.
You can read my full review here but the punch line is they are a great unit. I feel like the AS16 Pro are more me but these had a nice warm and strong sound signature.
A little more V-Shaped in the tuning for sure.
These were very comfortable but I do wish these came with an IEM cable tensioner.
These, again for the price, are an impressive unit and I would recommend them to anyone happy with a warm, slightly V-shaped sound signature with a decent open sound stage.
They are easy to drive with anything you have for a source including your smart phone.
Pros
- Punchy, strong sound stage
- So affordable for something with 8 drivers per ear
- They look pretty awesome in my opinion
- Good, comfy fit
Cons
- Might be too warm for some
6. KZ ZS10 Pro 4BA+1DD 5 Driver In-Ear Monitors
The ZS10 Pro is an upgraded version of the ZS10, with self-customized balanced armatures for a brighter sound. Each ear has four balanced armature drivers and one dynamic driver.
Two of the BA drivers in each ear are tuned for high frequencies while the other two are tuned for mid-range frequencies. The bass notes may sound a little muddled, but the remaining frequencies are crisp and bright.
The shell is constructed from metal for increased durability. They are also specifically molded to fit the ear, providing increased comfort and noise cancellation.
Pros
- Offers crisp, dynamic sound
- Helps cancel unwanted noise up to 26 decibels
- Affordable pair of KZ headphones
Cons
- The bass loses clarity at higher volumes
- Some people may find the design slightly uncomfortable for long sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions and answers may help you narrow down your options and find the best KZ in-ear monitors based on your needs.
Is KZ Considered a Quality Brand?
Yes, KZ is known for producing quality products that offer a good balance of affordable prices and clean audio. Many customers agree that a pair of KZ in-ear monitors can easily surpass the audio quality of a $200 to $300 pair of monitors.
KZ is a relatively young company, founded in 2013. The company was purchased by Linsoul several years later and continues to focus on the development of high-fidelity headphones.
Should I Get Hybrid or Balanced Armature In-Ear Monitors?
Bassists and drummers may prefer the superior bass response of the hybrid models while casual listeners and vocalists may prefer the balanced armature (BA) in-ear monitors.
The hybrid KZ IEMs with a dynamic driver (DD) and multiple balanced armatures often provide a more natural sound compared to the BA IEMs. The DD delivers less clarity but more punch. This is useful if you want IEMs that can boost the bass frequencies.
Do In-Ear Monitor KZ Headphones Work with Bluetooth?
To use Bluetooth, you need to purchase a separate cable. KZ and other manufacturers sell Bluetooth audio cables with two-pin 0.75 mm connections. The cable typically includes a rechargeable battery to power the earbuds, with an average playtime of about four to five hours.
Past KZ IEMs from this list
Like all good things, sometimes things need to be moved on and replaced with newer, improved models. Some will always remain classics but are not always kept for sale. So if you have a cult classic, you might need to look for pre-owned.
- KZ BA10 Headset Balanced Armature Driver Earbuds
- KZ ZS6 Quad Driver Headphones
Conclusion
KZ and Linsoul are known for producing reliable, affordable in-ear monitors that match the quality of more expensive IEMs. If you want to save money, the six IEMs listed provide the best bang for your buck.
As you compare each option, focus on the features that matter most to you, such as sound isolation or more bass. No matter which pair you choose, you are going to get a great value.
Endless hours of experimentation, professional work, and personal investment in Home Theatre, Hi-Fi, Smart Home Automation and Headphones have come to this.
Former owner of Headphones Canada, a high-end headphone specialty retailer.
This post was last updated on 2025-07-31 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.
As of specifically reviewing AS10, pros and cons section are not precise. It has a powerfull sound and has a wide soundstage nevertheless has a lot of sibilance and distortion. This is irritating and coused me to sell mine in a years time. Please don’t forget to mention these.