Short answer: a tie on sound quality. Both are rated 4.5/5 (#80 and #71 of 450 in-ear headphones) at nearly the same price ($20.99 vs $18.99), so choose on features and fit.
What the KZ Krila does well: For a budget hybrid it measures remarkably well, with a preference score of 79.6 and a 1.65 dB spread in the median of 8 squig.link measurements. The catch: Sub-bass sits about 1.9 dB under target below 60 Hz, so the deepest rumble in electronic and film scores is a little restrained.
The case for the KZ Merga: In eight hobbyist measurements on squig.link its dual dynamic drivers score 80.0, with a smooth 1.3 dB deviation and sub-bass holding to 20 Hz. Watch for: A 5.6 dB peak near 8.1 kHz can make cymbals and sibilant vocals sound sharp.
Buy the KZ Krila or the KZ Merga on features: they are rated the same for sound quality at close to the same price.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KZ Krila | KZ Merga | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $20.99 | $18.99 |
| Ranked | #80 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #71 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 80 (median of 8 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 80 (median of 8 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.65 dB standard deviation | 1.30 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.02 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.45 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.0 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 1 balanced armature) | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 1 x balanced armature | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 1 x 8mm dynamic |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB | 104 dB |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | - | 33 ohms |
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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
KZ Krila: $20.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: For a budget hybrid it measures remarkably well, with a preference score of 79.6 and a 1.65 dB spread in the median of 8 squig.link measurements. Bass, low mids and upper mids all sit within 0.5 dB of target, so vocals and instruments come across natural and balanced. A 3.5 dB lift in the air band adds airy detail on top.
Cons: Sub-bass sits about 1.9 dB under target below 60 Hz, so the deepest rumble in electronic and film scores is a little restrained. A 5.3 dB dip near 6 kHz followed by a 6.4 dB peak near 11.9 kHz makes the treble uneven, softening some consonants while adding a touch of glare high up.
Full KZ Krila review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.65 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 - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 80 (median of 8 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.02 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
KZ Merga: $18.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: In eight hobbyist measurements on squig.link its dual dynamic drivers score 80.0, with a smooth 1.3 dB deviation and sub-bass holding to 20 Hz. Treble from 6 to 10 kHz rises about 2 dB and air about 4 dB above target, giving a crisp, detailed top end that suits listeners who like a v-shaped sound. It costs less than the slightly higher rated DUNU Kima Classic.
Cons: A 5.6 dB peak near 8.1 kHz can make cymbals and sibilant vocals sound sharp. Bass and low mids sit slightly under target, so it sounds leaner than the bassier Moondrop Chu 2 DSP, which also carries a higher rating.
Full KZ Merga review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.30 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 1 x 8mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 80 (median of 8 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 33 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.45 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons