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KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White — IEM
KZ

KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White

IEM

74
/ 100
From $25
VS
AirPods Max wins by 14
AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict

AirPods Max takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White lands at 74 and AirPods Max at 88. That puts AirPods Max ahead by 14 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick AirPods Max if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

AirPods Max

Tuning, detail, and staging

AirPods Max leads on sound (88 vs 74).

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max leads on anc (86 vs 0).

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White more score per dollar ($25 vs $549).

KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White 74
vs
88 AirPods Max

Score breakdown

KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White
74
anc 0
sound 74
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
AirPods Max
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84

Specs side-by-side

KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White versus AirPods Max — full spec comparison
Spec KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White AirPods Max
Type
IEM
Over-ear
Release year
—
2020

KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

AirPods Max

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White vs AirPods Max

Which is better, KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White or AirPods Max? +

AirPods Max scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 14. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White worth the price? +

At $25, KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 74 — strongest in battery.

Is AirPods Max worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Does KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White or AirPods Max last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White or AirPods Max? +

AirPods Max — leads on sound (88 vs 74). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, KZ ZSN Pro X · Arctic White or AirPods Max? +

AirPods Max — leads on anc (86 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.