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Astell Kern Ak Zero1 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£660
  • Avg. price in US: ~$400
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Astell Kern Ak Zero1 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.5

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

4.5

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.0

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

10

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.9

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

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 components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 5.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • astell-kern-ak-zero1
  • astell-kern-ak-zero1
  • astell-kern-ak-zero1
astell-kern-ak-zero1
astell-kern-ak-zero1
astell-kern-ak-zero1

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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.

Technical Specifications of Astell Kern Ak Zero1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.5
Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a technical score of 4.54 points, which is lower than that of 70% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
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.
1.0
Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

4.5

Overall score

40.0%

7.0

Price

5.3
Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.3 points, which is lower than 93.9% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Astell Kern Ak Zero1 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

hybrid
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

5.6 mm
Astell Kern Ak Zero1 uses a driver size of 5.6 mm, smaller driver size than 99.7% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

4
Astell Kern Ak Zero1 uses 4 drivers, more drivers than 99.2% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

25 Hz
Astell Kern Ak Zero1 reaches a lowest frequency of 25 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 98.4% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Astell Kern Ak Zero1 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Astell Kern Ak Zero1 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Astell Kern Ak Zero1 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Astell Kern Ak Zero1 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Astell
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

14 g
Astell Kern Ak Zero1 weighs 14 g, lighter than 89.7% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more

Astell Kern Ak Zero1 vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
    What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
    When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 93.6% lower weight
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 is lighter than the average headphone (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 is lighter than the average headphone (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.14 g vs 218 g
  • In-line controls
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.30000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 93.6% lower weight
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 is lighter than the average headphone (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • In-line controls
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
  • 34.4 mm smaller driver size
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (5.6 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 7 Hz weaker bass extension
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (25 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 0.4 % higher distortion
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.7 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 3 fewer drivers
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has fewer drivers than the average headphone (4 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
  • 7 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (96 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • Not headset-ready
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 34.4 mm smaller driver size
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (5.6 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (5.6 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.5.6 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (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
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (25 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (25 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.25 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Not headset-ready
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 0.4 % higher distortion
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.7 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (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 headphone (£660 vs £90).
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 is more expensive than the average headphone (£660 vs £90).£660 vs £90
  • 27.4% worse value for money
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.29 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Astell Kern Ak Zero1 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.29 vs 6.736).5.29 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Astell Kern Ak Zero1 and

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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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
14/10/2021
Astell&Kern AK Zero1 Hybrid IEM

The Astell&Kern AK Zero1, a $699 "tribrid" IEM, features a unique design combining a micro rectangular planar, dual balanced armatures, and a 5.6mm dynamic driver, housed in CNC-machined aluminum. Key performance pros include exceptional bass control, high-resolution microdetail, and a wide, scalable soundstage, particularly when driven by premium amplifiers. However, the angular,...Read more

H
head-fi.org
14/10/2021
Astell&Kern AK Zero1 Hybrid IEM Would you like a summary of the technical specifications or the pros and cons mentioned in these reviews?

User impressions of the Astell&Kern AK Zero1 Hybrid IEMs reveal a technically proficient earphone characterized by exceptional detail, rapid transients, and precise imaging. The IEM requires significant, extensive burn-in to overcome an initially unnatural, abrupt sound decay, with soundstage depth and natural echo improving notably after thirty hours. Key strengths include superior...Read more

T
theheadphonelist.com
16/04/2023
Review: Astell & Kern Zero1 Earphone/IEM

The Astell & Kern Zero1 is a $699 tribrid in-ear monitor (IEM) that marks the brand's first completely independent venture into the earphone market without external collaboration. It features an unorthodox internal configuration consisting of one micro planar magnetic driver, two custom balanced armatures, and one 5.6mm dynamic driver, all housed inside a 3D-printed acoustic chamber...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
04/04/2022
Astell&Kern AK ZERO1 In-Ear Monitors Review

The TechPowerUp review of the $699 Astell&Kern AK ZERO1 highlights the IEMs' exceptional, hand-crafted build quality in Japan and a complex, internally developed tribrid driver configuration. The design, featuring a CNC-machined aluminum housing and a premium silver-plated cable, delivers a clean, vocal-forward sound profile with excellent channel matching. However, the review notes...Read more

M
majorhifi.com
17/11/2021
Astell & Kern AK Zero 1 Review

The Astell & Kern AK Zero 1 ($699) is the brand's first true in-house In-Ear Monitor (IEM). It features an angular, rigid housing that mirrors the signature look of the company's Digital Audio Players (DAPs). The build is praised for its unique aesthetic, fine fit, and high-quality cable, utilizing a hybrid driver system that includes an innovative 5.6mm dynamic driver with planar...Read more

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