In-ear monitors, more commonly known as IEMs, are compact earphones designed to sit directly inside the ear canal, creating a sealed listening environment that delivers sound straight to the listener with minimal interference from the outside world. Unlike traditional headphones, IEMs prioritise isolation, portability, and precision, making them a popular choice not only for musicians and audio enthusiasts but increasingly for gamers as well. Their sealed design helps block out background noise, allowing finer details like footsteps, directional cues, and subtle environmental sounds to come through more clearly at lower volumes. Compared to over-ear headphones, IEMs are lighter, easier to wear for long sessions, generate far less heat, and take up almost no desk or bag space, making them ideal for gaming setups, travel, and shared living spaces where isolation and convenience matter just as much as sound quality.
I was recommended the ZK ZS20 Pro — and as a result purchased — by a Twitch streamer known as kmac_tv, and wanted to share the experience.
THE HARDWARE
The KZ ZS10 Pro is built around a hybrid driver configuration that combines a single dynamic driver for bass with four balanced armature drivers handling the mids and highs. This setup gives the ZS10 Pro a level of capability that’s uncommon at its price point, allowing it to deliver both impact and detail without requiring an external amplifier. With low impedance and high sensitivity, it’s easy to drive from a PC, console controller, handheld gaming device, or smartphone, making it a flexible option for gamers who don’t want extra gear on their desk. The detachable two-pin cable is another practical inclusion, allowing easy replacement or upgrades and adding to the long-term durability of the IEM.
COMFORT IS SO IMPORTANT
I’m not a huge fan of in-ear audio as I’ve never found them as comfortable as a good over-ear set of headphones. So it was really pleasing for me to find that comfort is a clear strength of the ZS10 Pro, particularly for long gaming or listening sessions. The shell design is lightweight and contoured to sit naturally in the ear, with an over-ear cable routing that helps reduce cable noise and keeps everything stable while you move. Once seated properly, the IEMs stay in place without creating pressure points, even during extended use. Passive noise isolation is good thanks to the sealed fit, which helps you stay focused on in-game audio or music without needing excessive volume. While the included ear tips are serviceable, many users will find that aftermarket silicone or foam tips can further improve comfort and seal, especially during multi-hour sessions.
SOUND EXPERIENCE: FROM MUSIC TO GAMING
The ZS10 Pro delivers a fun, clean and energetic sound that works well for both gaming and general media consumption. Its tuning leans toward a V-shaped signature, with elevated bass and treble giving the sound a sense of excitement and depth. In games, this translates into impactful explosions, satisfying low-end effects, and crisp high-frequency details that help bring environments to life. Footsteps, reloads, and environmental cues are generally easy to pick out, making it suitable for casual and semi-competitive gaming, even if it doesn’t match the pinpoint positional accuracy of high-end open-back headphones.
This translates really well to music playback too — one of the original intents of IEMs for musicians on-stage — with strong depth of sound, excellent clarity, and the ability to reproduce high-quality sound.
The soundstage is wider than you might expect from an IEM at this price, offering a clear left-to-right spread and enough depth to prevent the audio from feeling cramped. This helps open-world and story-driven games feel more immersive, though vertical imaging and precise distance placement remain limited compared to larger headphones. For music, the bass provides good punch without overwhelming the mix, the treble adds clarity and sparkle, and the mids, while slightly recessed, remain clean and intelligible. Overall, the ZS10 Pro prioritises enjoyment and engagement over strict audio neutrality, which suits gaming, streaming media, and other everyday listening needs well.
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The KZ ZS10 Pro is widely available in Australia through KZ Music Store, and some other online retailers typically priced in the budget-friendly range — RRP AU$128.00, with regular specials if you keep your eyes out — that makes it accessible as an upgrade from basic earbuds or entry-level gaming headsets. Given its hybrid driver setup, detachable cable, and strong overall performance, it represents solid value for money in its category.
Also a quick tip of the hat to them for having a sustainability focus with no plastic in the packaging.
CONCLUSION
The KZ ZS10 Pro is a standout budget IEM that balances comfort, engaging sound, and versatility in a way that suits gamers and music listeners alike. It offers a surprisingly spacious soundstage for an in-ear design, enough detail to handle in-game audio cues effectively, and a comfortable fit that holds up during long sessions. While it won’t replace dedicated high-end gaming headsets for competitive play, its performance relative to its price makes it an excellent all-around option for anyone looking for a compact, wired audio solution that works just as well for gaming as it does for everyday listening.
Will it permanently replace my Razer headset for gaming? No, but depending on what I’m doing at the time, the KZ ZS20 Pro are a very capable substitute, and I’m sure; if you spend more, the experience would be even more impressive.
