Short answer: the KZ ZSN Pro. It ranks #466 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.9/5, at $25.99; the NiceHCK Tears ranks #580, rated 3.8/5, at $25.73. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
What the KZ ZSN Pro does well: A preference score of 73 in HypetheSonics’ measurement is solid for a wired set this cheap, with a response that stays within about 2.2 dB of the Harman target. The catch: Treble above 10 kHz runs about 6 dB hot, with a sharp 9.4 dB peak near 11 kHz that can make cymbals and hi-hats sound glassy or hissy.
The case for the NiceHCK Tears: The median of 14 hobbyist measurements gives it a solid Harman preference score of 71 with a 2.04 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural. The catch: Presence sits about 4.2 dB low with a 6.4 dB dip near 10.3 kHz, so vocals and instruments lose some bite.
Buy the KZ ZSN Pro. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $0.26 with the NiceHCK Tears does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
A preference score of 73 in HypetheSonics’ measurement is solid for a wired set this cheap, with a response that stays within about 2.2 dB of the Harman target.
Amazon $25.99 eBay
The median of 14 hobbyist measurements gives it a solid Harman preference score of 71 with a 2.04 dB spread, and its mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural.
Amazon $25.73 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| KZ ZSN Pro | NiceHCK Tears | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25.99 | $25.73 |
| Ranked | #466 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #580 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 73 (measured by HypetheSonics, via AutoEQ) | 71 (median of 14 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.23 dB standard deviation | 2.04 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.11 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.71 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.1 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.0 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 |
| Impedance | 25 ohms | 20 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | - |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
Frequency Response Compared
Both headphones’ measurements overlaid on the Harman target. Above the target sounds louder in that range, below it quieter. Each curve is the median of several independent measurements, shifted so its 500 Hz to 2 kHz average sits at 0 dB, so only the tuning is compared.
Measurement data: the KZ ZSN Pro from achoreviews, aden, aftersound, ankramutt, eplv, hoods, isaiahse, lown-fi, melatonin, pw and superreview; the NiceHCK Tears from aftersound, atechreviews, audioamigo, avishai, bassaudio, eplv, hu-fi, lestat, practiphile, pw, samreviews, silicagel, soundcheck39 and soundignity, all via squig.link.
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to KZ ZSN Pro: