7HZ TIMELESS AE 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 4 of 4 measures.

7HZ TIMELESS AE
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

7.7

8.6

Value

5.6

8.6

Price (USD)

$260

$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

The Kiwi Ears KE4 is 2 years newer, but it is 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.

TIMELESS AE2022
KE420242 yr newer

Specifications

TIMELESS AEKE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $260; $200
HearWiki score: 66; 84
Released: 2022; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: 1 planar; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: planar; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1 planar; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: 14.2 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 4
Impedance: 14.8 Ω; 28 Ω
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Weight: 5 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of 7HZ TIMELESS AE vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	7HZ TIMELESS AE	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$260	$200
HearWiki score	66 / 100 Good	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2024
Audio
Driver	1 planar	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	planar	hybrid
Driver configuration	1 planar	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	14.2 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	4
Impedance	14.8 Ω	28 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Weight	5 g	-
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

7HZ TIMELESS AE

This is a wired planar-magnetic IEM featuring a single 14.2 mm driver, designed for high-fidelity listening at home or work. It's a revised version of the Timeless model with a detachable cable for easy replacement or upgrades.

Pro:Detailed and fast planar sound
Pro:Detachable 2-pin cable
Pro:Lightweight at 5 grams

Con:Requires a good source due to low impedance
Con:No noise cancellation
Con:May need proper fit for best seal

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.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparison 7HZ TIMELESS AE Kiwi Ears KE4