Short answer: the KZ ATE. It ranks #959 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $17.99; the KBEAR KS1 ranks #1012, rated 2.9/5, at $17.09. With prices this close, go by the sound-quality ranking rather than the cost.
The case for the KZ ATE: Bass from 60 to 200 Hz runs about 6.8 dB above target, with sub-bass up 2.8 dB, which delivers punchy, energetic low end for the money. Watch for: A 9 dB peak near 8.3 kHz makes cymbals and sibilants splashy and fatiguing at higher volumes.
What the KBEAR KS1 does well: Bass is lifted about 4.9 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight. The tradeoff: An 8.2 dB peak near 7.9 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance sound sharp.
Buy the KZ ATE. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $0.90 saving on the KBEAR KS1 is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Bass from 60 to 200 Hz runs about 6.8 dB above target, with sub-bass up 2.8 dB, which delivers punchy, energetic low end for the money.
Amazon $17.99 eBay
Bass is lifted about 4.9 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight.
Amazon $17.09 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 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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Specifications Side By Side
| KZ ATE | KBEAR KS1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $17.99 | $17.09 |
| Ranked | #959 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1012 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 63 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 61 (median of 12 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.88 dB standard deviation | 2.92 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.45 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.59 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.5 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 8.2mm dynamic | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 16 ohms | 16 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB | 109 dB/mW |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 29kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
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