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Astell Kern Ak Zero1 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£660Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Astell Kern Ak Zero1 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Astell Kern Ak Zero1
5.5/10

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

80%

5.5

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 87% of headphones
6.0

Value for money

Value for money
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

7.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 95%
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

52%

6.1

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

8.0

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.5

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 74%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Astell Kern Ak Zero1

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components:

52%

6.1

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

8.0

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.5

Calls & Controls

5.5
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components:

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

7.0

Price

6.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
hybrid
Driver size
5.6 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 5.6 mm, smaller driver size than 99.7% of headphones.
Number of drivers
4
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 4 drivers, more drivers than 99.2% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
25 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 25 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 98.5% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
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Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
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Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Astell
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
14 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 14 g, lighter than 89.7% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Astell Kern Ak Zero1 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 93.6% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    14 g vs 218 g
  • 3 more drivers
    This pair of headphones uses more drivers than the average pair of headphones (4 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
    4 vs 1
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 93.6% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    14 g vs 218 g
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 3 more drivers
    This pair of headphones uses more drivers than the average pair of headphones (4 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
    4 vs 1
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 34.4 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (5.6 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    5.6 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 7 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (25 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    25 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 0.4 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.7 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.7 % vs 0.3 %
  • 7.33x more expensive
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£660 vs £90).
    £660 vs £90
  • 7.33x more expensive
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£660 vs £90).
    £660 vs £90
  • 22.1% worse value for money
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.96 vs 7.3).
    5.96 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • 34.4 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (5.6 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    5.6 mm vs 40 mm
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 7 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (25 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    25 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 0.4 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.7 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.7 % vs 0.3 %
  • 7 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (96 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    96 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Shop video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

majorhifi.com
17/11/2021
Listening review · Hybrid in-ear monitors
Verdict
The Astell & Kern Zero 1 is a comfortable, dark-sounding first in-ear from the brand, but its shallow soundstage and hazy midrange hold it back.
T
techpowerup.com
04/04/2022
Summary of the review
Astell&Kern AK ZERO1 In-Ear Monitors Review
theheadphonelist.com
16/04/2023
Hands-on review · Four-driver in-ear
Verdict
The Astell & Kern Zero1 is a solidly built in-ear with extended highs, controlled bass and strong imaging, though its angular shell can get uncomfortable over time.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Astell Kern Ak Zero1

  • Premium industrial design with high-quality aluminum construction
  • Excellent separation and imaging capabilities, making individual instruments easy to track
  • Innovative hybrid setup (planar, balanced armature, and dynamic drivers) providing high detail retrieval
  • High-purity silver-coated OFC cable included as standard
  • Good sub-bass extension and control with minimal distortion
  • Secure and stable fit once an appropriate ear tip seal is achieved

What customers don't like about Astell Kern Ak Zero1

  • Divisive treble response that can sound overly bright or peaky at around 5 kHz
  • Midrange can feel recessed or 'foggy,' leading to a loss of clarity in some vocal tracks
  • Angular shell design may cause physical discomfort in the ear concha during long listening sessions
  • Difficult to drive due to low sensitivity (96 dB/mW), often requiring a dedicated DAP or amplifier for best performance
  • High price point relative to competitors with similar or better sound performance
  • Unforgiving of poorly mastered recordings

Verdict

The Astell&Kern AK Zero1 is a high-end hybrid in-ear monitor featuring a sophisticated triple-driver configuration: a micro rectangular planar dynamic driver for crisp highs, dual custom balanced armatures for transparent mids, and a 5.6mm dynamic driver for deep, controlled bass. Handcrafted in Japan with a precision CNC-machined aluminum housing and 3D-printed acoustic chambers, it boasts technical specs including a 16Ω impedance, 96dB sensitivity, and a wide frequency response of 25Hz to 30kHz. Main pros include its premium build quality, exceptional micro-detail retrieval, and high-purity silver-plated copper MMCX cable. However, some users note cons such as a somewhat aggressive or sibilant treble, a spatially linear soundstage that lacks depth, and a potentially picky fit due to the larger angular shell design.

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