Fatfreq Sakura vs KZ ZST

Last updated: October 11, 2026

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.

Fatfreq Sakura vs KZ ZST

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 FactorIn-earIn-ear
BackClosedClosed
Harman Preference Score70 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ)70 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ)
Deviation From Target2.58 dB standard deviation2.31 dB standard deviation
Tonal Tilt-0.08 (negative is warmer, positive brighter)-0.47 (negative is warmer, positive brighter)
ConnectionWiredWired
Built-in MicrophoneNo-
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)

How KZ ZST compares with other leading options:

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

Fatfreq Sakura ranking card

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.

ReleasedMay 2022 (4 years ago)
BackClosed
Built-in MicrophoneNo
ConnectionWired
Deviation From Target2.58 dB standard deviation
Form FactorIn-ear
Harman Preference Score70 (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.

FilterFrequencyGainQ
Low shelf105 Hz+1.9 dB0.70
Peak6,951 Hz+5.0 dB0.67
Peak1,700 Hz-4.1 dB1.72
Peak201 Hz-1.8 dB0.68
Peak70 Hz+0.8 dB1.12
High shelf10,000 Hz-2.3 dB0.70
Peak4,296 Hz-2.6 dB6.00
Peak3,478 Hz+1.6 dB4.53
Peak6,201 Hz+1.6 dB5.97
Peak818 Hz+0.5 dB2.49

KZ ZST: $21.99 Amazon eBay

KZ ZST ranking card

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.

Released2016 (10 years ago)
BackClosed
ConnectionWired
Deviation From Target2.31 dB standard deviation
Driver TypeHybrid (1 dynamic + 1 balanced armature)
Drivers1 x 10mm dynamic + 1 x balanced armature
Form FactorIn-ear
Frequency Response20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Harman Preference Score70 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ)
Sub-bass ExtensionWithin 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.

FilterFrequencyGainQ
Low shelf105 Hz-0.2 dB0.70
Peak182 Hz-3.0 dB0.62
Peak620 Hz+2.4 dB0.63
Peak9,298 Hz-3.1 dB3.37
Peak1,878 Hz-4.1 dB3.05
High shelf10,000 Hz-0.3 dB0.70
Peak4,253 Hz+4.7 dB4.05
Peak1,321 Hz-0.6 dB2.60
Peak3,462 Hz-1.0 dB6.00
Peak358 Hz-0.0 dB5.65