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Beats urBeats vs Kiwi Ears KE4: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Beats urBeats vs Kiwi Ears KE4, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

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.

  • Beats urBeats
  • Kiwi Ears KE4
HearWiki score
-
84
Sound
-
8.6
Value
-
8.6
Price (USD)
$100
$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 6 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. For 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • urBeats2018
  • KE420246 yr newer

Specifications

urBeatsKE4
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$100
$200
HearWiki score
Not scored
84
Released
2018
2024
Availability
Discontinued
Still sold new
Driver
dynamic
2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type
dynamic
hybrid
Driver configuration
-
2DD + 2BA
Driver size
-
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
4
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Impedance
32 Ω
28 Ω
Sensitivity
106 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
No
-
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
none
-
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
18 g
-
Water resistance
none
-
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
No
Yes
USB-C
No
-
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Balanced connection
No
-
Microphones
1
-
Microphone type
electret
-
Call noise reduction
No
-

What reviewers said

Beats urBeats

The Beats urBeats are wired in-ear monitors from 2012 that use a single dynamic driver to deliver a 20 Hz–20 kHz response. They rely on physical noise isolation through adjustable-fit eartips rather than active cancellation, and connect via a standard 3.5 mm jack. With a lightweight 18-gram build and a built-in electret mic, they offer basic call functionality but no inline controls or app support.

  • Pro:Lightweight at 18g
  • Pro:Physical noise isolation via eartips
  • Pro:Wide frequency response 20 Hz–20 kHz
  • Con:No inline controls
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No app support or EQ

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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