Arpegear Hane vs Kiwi Ears KE4: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears KE4 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. 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.

Arpegear Hane
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

7.8

8.6

Value

7.3

8.6

Price (USD)

$130

$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.

Hane2024
KE42024

Specifications

HaneKE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $130; $200
HearWiki score: 73; 81
Released: 2024; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Discontinued
Driver: 1DD; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: dynamic; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1DD; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 4
Impedance: 80 Ω; 28 Ω
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
Connector: -; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of Arpegear Hane vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	Arpegear Hane	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$130	$200
HearWiki score	73 / 100 Great	81 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2024
Audio
Driver	1DD	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	dynamic	hybrid
Driver configuration	1DD	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	4
Impedance	80 Ω	28 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
Connector	-	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

Arpegear Hane

The Arpegear Hane is a wired single-dynamic-driver IEM featuring a 10 mm DLC dynamic driver and four tuning switches, offering 16 possible sound profiles. It's marketed toward musicians, gamers, and music producers, with a focus on comfortable long listening sessions and a detachable cable for easy replacement.

Pro:16 tuning combinations via four switches
Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement
Pro:Comfortable for extended listening sessions

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Requires a good source due to 80-ohm impedance
Con:Tuning switches may be fiddly for some users

Kiwi Ears KE4

The Kiwi Ears KE4 is a hybrid IEM that delivers a balanced, smooth sound signature with a touch of added bass and treble sparkle, making it a versatile choice for many genres. It offers solid clarity and a comfortable fit, though its tuning leans relaxed rather than aggressive, and it lacks the ultimate resolving power of pricier models. Overall, it's a polished performer around the $200 mark that suits listeners who prefer a neutral yet slightly warm presentation.

Pro:Well-balanced tuning with a relaxing character
Pro:Rich lower mids and airy treble
Pro:Comfortable fit for long sessions

Con:Sub-bass can feel a bit overpowering at times
Con:Limited dynamics and resolving power compared to top-tier IEMs
Con:Accessories are minimal

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 Arpegear Hane Kiwi Ears KE4