7HZ FIVE vs Kiwi Ears KE4: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears KE4 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Kiwi Ears KE4 - Outstanding overall at around $199.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Kiwi Ears KE4 leads on 3 of 4 measures.

7HZ FIVE
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

6.6

8.6

Value

5.8

8.6

Price (USD)

$150

$200

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

Both shipped in 2024. These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

FIVE2024
KE42024

Specifications

FIVEKE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $150; $200
HearWiki score: 64; 84
Released: 2024; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 5DD; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: dynamic; hybrid
Driver configuration: 5DD; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: 6 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 5; 4
Impedance: -; 28 Ω
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Detachable cable: -; Yes
Connector: -; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of 7HZ FIVE vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	7HZ FIVE	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$150	$200
HearWiki score	64 / 100 Good	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2024
Audio
Driver	5DD	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	dynamic	hybrid
Driver configuration	5DD	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	6 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	5	4
Impedance	-	28 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Detachable cable	-	Yes
Connector	-	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

7HZ FIVE

The 7HZ FIVE is a wired in-ear monitor that employs five custom 6 mm dynamic drivers per earpiece, each housed in its own acoustic chamber. This multi-driver configuration is engineered to deliver detailed, high-fidelity sound for critical music listening, without any active noise cancellation.

Pro:Five-driver setup for detailed sound
Pro:Custom 6 mm dynamic drivers
Pro:Dedicated acoustic chambers per driver

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Bulky due to multiple drivers
Con:Requires a good source to shine

Kiwi Ears KE4

The Kiwi Ears KE4 is a wired hybrid IEM that offers a balanced, relaxing sound with a distinct twist on the popular 'New Meta' tuning, adding extra bass and treble sparkle. It delivers solid midrange clarity and a comfortable fit, making it a versatile choice for many genres, though its smooth presentation may not excite those seeking aggressive or highly dynamic sound.

Pro:Well-balanced hybrid tuning with rich lower mids and airy treble
Pro:Comfortable fit and broad genre versatility
Pro:Good resolution and clarity for its price

Con:Sub-bass can get overpowering at times
Con:Limited resolving power and dynamic impact
Con:Smooth tuning may feel less exciting than V-shaped alternatives

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparison 7HZ FIVE Kiwi Ears KE4