Zagg Z-buds

Design

The Z-buds and Apple headphones are about the same in terms of durability and aesthetics.

Zagg Z-buds	Apple iPhone 3G S Headphones

Frequency Response

The Apple headphones have a much more even frequency response overall. Both headphones get somewhat erratic towards the 10kHz mark.

Zagg Z-buds	Apple iPhone 3G S Headphones

Distortion

This Z-buds’ graph is what a distortion graph should look like. The Apple headphones’ graph looks like someone pulled the paper away as we were drawing it. If you’re looking for low distortion, don’t get in-ears that balance outside your ear and just kind of point towards it.

Zagg Z-buds	Apple iPhone 3G S Headphones

Tracking

The Z-buds are less balanced than the Apple headphones.

Zagg Z-buds	Apple iPhone 3G S Headphones

Isolation

This is another obvious comparison. The Z-buds block some outside sounds. The Apple headphones don’t.

Zagg Z-buds	Apple iPhone 3G S Headphones

Comfort

While we thought both headphones were close in terms of overall comfort, they have very different fits. The Z-buds fit inside your ear canal. With some sleeves they fit deeply into your ear. If you think this sounds uncomfortable, chances are it will be, so you should stick to the other sleeves. If you just want things to stay out of your ears entirely, the Apple headphones are a better choice.

Wear
Zagg Z-buds	Apple iPhone 3G S Headphones

Verdict

The Z-buds are a decent upgrade for packaged in Apple headphones. They provide a remote & mic as well as a volume control, plus better overall audio quality. They also have the advantage of actually fitting in your ear, which should help them stay in place.