Comparison IEMs
KZ vs TRN: which budget IEM brand should you buy?
Both brands sell IEMs from about ₱250. Here is how their in-stock models compare by price tier, driver setup, mic and customer reviews, so you can pick one for your first pair.
The short version
- Neither brand is better across the board. At about ₱250 the KZ EDX and TRN MT1 Pro are close; pick by what you value, such as a mic, a hybrid driver setup or the most customer reviews.
- KZ's range in our store goes further up into hybrid designs (balanced armature plus dynamic driver). The TRN models in the table are dynamic-driver designs.
- All ten models below were in stock when we checked on 11 November 2026.
In this guide
KZ or TRN: which should you buy?
For a first IEM, either brand is a reasonable choice at the cheapest end. If you want the most customer-proven pick, the KZ EDX at ₱249 is rated 4.83 from 297 reviews and the TRN MT1 at ₱349 is rated 4.9 from 419 reviews. If you want a hybrid driver setup (one balanced armature plus one dynamic driver per earpiece), the KZ ZST X and ZSN Pro are listed with one. The TRN models in the table are sold as dynamic-driver designs.
We have not run listening tests, so we do not say which brand sounds better. This guide compares what we can check: price, driver setup, mic, plug and customer reviews.
How did we choose these ten?
We looked at every active KZ and TRN IEM in our store and kept models that met these rules on 11 November 2026:
- In stock now, priced from ₱249 to ₱699 (the range where both brands overlap).
- The cheapest and the most-reviewed models of each brand, so the table is not stacked toward one brand.
- Listed with a mic where a mic version exists.
Earphone upgrade cables, tips and Bluetooth modules are not included.
Comparison: KZ and TRN IEMs
| Model | Driver setup | Mic | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TRN MT1 Pro | Third-generation magnetic dynamic (per TRN) | Yes | ₱249 | 4.76 (17 reviews) |
| KZ EDX | 1DD, 10 mm composite magnetic dynamic | Yes | ₱249 | 4.83 (297 reviews) |
| KZ EDS | 10 mm dual-magnetic dynamic | Yes | ₱299 | 4.6 (10 reviews) |
| TRN MT1 | 10 mm dual-magnet dynamic | Yes | ₱349 | 4.9 (419 reviews) |
| TRN MT3 | 10 mm titanium-coated dynamic (per TRN) | Yes | ₱399 | 5.0 (1 reviews) |
| TRN EMA | 14.2 mm PET composite dynamic (per TRN) | Yes | ₱449 | 5.0 (5 reviews) |
| KZ ZST X | 1BA + 1DD | Yes | ₱599 | 4.74 (38 reviews) |
| KZ ZSN Pro | 1BA + 1DD | Yes | ₱649 | 4.78 (98 reviews) |
| TRN MT1 Max | 10 mm dual-magnet dynamic, 4th generation (per TRN) | Yes | ₱649 | No reviews yet |
| KZ ZEX | Not listed | Yes | ₱699 | 5.0 (3 reviews) |
Prices and stock checked 11 November 2026. Selection: active KZ and TRN IEMs in stock that sell for ₱249 to ₱699, with the cheapest and most-reviewed models of each brand, listed by price. "Not listed" means we have not verified that spec against the maker's page, so check the product page.
Rating is the average from verified customer reviews on our store. Driver text marked "per TRN" is from TRN's own product page.
How do the two brands differ?
Price ladder. At about ₱250 you can pick the KZ EDX or the TRN MT1 Pro. Around ₱300 to ₱450 you have the KZ EDS, TRN MT1, TRN MT3 and TRN EMA. Above ₱600 the choice is between the KZ hybrids and ZEX and the TRN MT1 Max.
Driver setup. KZ's ZST X and ZSN Pro are listed as 1BA + 1DD hybrids. The TRN models in the table are dynamic-driver designs (their product titles say so): TRN lists a 10 mm driver for the MT1 Max and MT3 and a 14.2 mm PET composite diaphragm for the EMA. More drivers does not automatically mean better sound.
Impedance and sensitivity. Shure explains that sensitivity shows how loud an earphone gets from a given input. TRN lists the MT1 at 22 Ω and 106 dB, the MT3 at 28 Ω and 114 dB, the EMA at 32 Ω and 124 dB, and the MT1 Max at 22 Ω and 108 dB. KZ lists the EDS at 23 Ω and 114 dB. All are low impedance, so a phone or basic USB-C adapter should drive them.
Cable and plug. TRN lists a 2-pin detachable cable for the MT3, EMA and MT1 Max, with a 3.5 mm jack on the EMA. The KZ EDX is described by KZ as its most affordable IEM with a detachable 2-pin design. USB-C only phones need a small adapter; see the DAC dongle guide.
Which one is better for calls, gaming or commuting?
All ten models in the table are listed with a mic. For mobile gaming, see our gaming IEM guide. For commuting, a good seal matters more than the brand; read how to choose eartips before blaming the IEM for thin bass.
Will it arrive fast and is it covered?
We ship from Valenzuela, Metro Manila, through J&T nationwide. Delivery takes 1–3 days in Metro Manila, 1–5 days in Luzon, and 3–7 days in the Visayas and Mindanao. Orders placed before 2 PM, Monday to Saturday, ship the same day. Express Metro Manila delivery costs ₱250 by Lalamove, and standard shipping is free on orders over ₱500. Items carry a 3-month warranty with replacement for manufacturing defects, and we pay the J&T return postage for covered claims, which you file through facebook.com/tictechtoeph.
FAQ
Is KZ or TRN better for beginners?
Neither is better for everyone. Both have models near ₱250. Choose by the features you need, such as a mic or a hybrid driver, and by customer reviews.
Are KZ and TRN good enough, or should I spend more?
They are inexpensive IEMs aimed at first-time buyers. If you want more choice, see the under ₱2,000 guide.
Which brand has more models in stock?
See the full KZ collection and TRN collection.
Do I need a DAC?
Not for a phone with a headphone jack. For USB-C phones, a USB-C to 3.5 mm adapter is enough for most of these models.
What if the bass sounds weak?
Check the seal first. A larger tip often changes bass more than switching brands would.