Short answer: a tie on sound quality. Both are rated 3.7/5 (#337 and #336 of 450 in-ear headphones), so choose on features and fit.

What the Fatfreq Sakura does well: Crinacle’s measurement gives it a preference score of 70, a reasonably close match to the response most listeners prefer. Watch for: A 2.6 dB standard deviation from target means the response is noticeably uneven in places.
The case for the KZ ZST: In oratory1990’s measurement the preference score is 70, with bass about 2.3 dB above target from 60 to 200 Hz for extra warmth and punch, and sub-bass tracking the target within 0.1 dB. The tradeoff: A 9.4 dB dip near 4.4 kHz and 3.7 dB lower presence from 3 to 6 kHz pull back vocal clarity and the attack of snares and guitars.
Buy the Fatfreq Sakura or the KZ ZST on features: they are rated the same for sound quality at close to the same price.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Fatfreq Sakura | KZ ZST | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | - | $21.99 |
| Ranked | #337 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #336 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 70 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 70 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.58 dB standard deviation | 2.31 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.08 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.47 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Sub-bass Extension | - | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Driver Type | - | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 1 balanced armature) |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 1 x balanced armature |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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How KZ ZST compares with other leading options:
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- CCA CRA vs KZ ZST
- Sony WI-C100 vs KZ ZST
- TANGZU Wan’er S.G vs KZ ZST
- KZ ZST vs TRN MT1
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Fatfreq Sakura FATfreq eBay
Pros: Crinacle’s measurement gives it a preference score of 70, a reasonably close match to the response most listeners prefer. It is a wired, closed in-ear design, so it blocks outside noise and needs no charging.
Cons: A 2.6 dB standard deviation from target means the response is noticeably uneven in places. There is no built-in microphone for calls.
Full Fatfreq Sakura review and specifications →
| Released | May 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.58 dB standard deviation |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 70 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.08 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.1 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +1.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 6,951 Hz | +5.0 dB | 0.67 |
| Peak | 1,700 Hz | -4.1 dB | 1.72 |
| Peak | 201 Hz | -1.8 dB | 0.68 |
| Peak | 70 Hz | +0.8 dB | 1.12 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -2.3 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 4,296 Hz | -2.6 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 3,478 Hz | +1.6 dB | 4.53 |
| Peak | 6,201 Hz | +1.6 dB | 5.97 |
| Peak | 818 Hz | +0.5 dB | 2.49 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
KZ ZST: $21.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: In oratory1990’s measurement the preference score is 70, with bass about 2.3 dB above target from 60 to 200 Hz for extra warmth and punch, and sub-bass tracking the target within 0.1 dB. The low mids and upper mids stay within about 1 dB, so vocals and instruments sit naturally. The warm and bassy profiles fit it best, and the hybrid pairing of one dynamic and one balanced armature driver costs very little.
Cons: A 9.4 dB dip near 4.4 kHz and 3.7 dB lower presence from 3 to 6 kHz pull back vocal clarity and the attack of snares and guitars. Above 10 kHz the response runs about 6.5 dB hot, with a 10 dB peak near 11 kHz that adds sharpness to cymbals. The TANGZU Wan’er S.G rates higher.
Full KZ ZST review and specifications →
| Released | 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.31 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 1 balanced armature) |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 1 x balanced armature |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 70 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.47 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -4.5 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -0.2 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 182 Hz | -3.0 dB | 0.62 |
| Peak | 620 Hz | +2.4 dB | 0.63 |
| Peak | 9,298 Hz | -3.1 dB | 3.37 |
| Peak | 1,878 Hz | -4.1 dB | 3.05 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -0.3 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 4,253 Hz | +4.7 dB | 4.05 |
| Peak | 1,321 Hz | -0.6 dB | 2.60 |
| Peak | 3,462 Hz | -1.0 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 358 Hz | -0.0 dB | 5.65 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons

