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Bose QuietComfort 20 vs Kiwi Ears KE4: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Bose QuietComfort 20 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 4 of 4 measures.

  • Bose QuietComfort 20
  • Kiwi Ears KE4
HearWiki score
-
84
Sound
-
8.6
Value
-
8.6
Price (USD)
$300
$200

Specifications

QuietComfort 20KE4
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$300
$200
HearWiki score
Not scored
84
Released
2013
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
4 Ω
28 Ω
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Weight
42.5 g
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
-
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
4
-
Microphone type
MEMS
-

What reviewers said

Bose QuietComfort 20

The Bose QuietComfort 20 is a wired in-ear headphone with active noise cancellation, designed to reduce ambient sound for focused listening. It features a lightweight build, a transparency mode for hearing your surroundings, and a detachable cable for convenience. With a dynamic driver and a wide frequency response, it aims to deliver balanced audio in a portable form.

  • Pro:Effective active noise cancellation for a wired in-ear design
  • Pro:Transparency mode allows ambient sound when needed
  • Pro:Lightweight at 42.5g for comfortable extended wear
  • Con:Wired-only connectivity may limit modern device compatibility
  • Con:4-ohm impedance could demand more from some sources
  • Con:No USB-C support for charging or digital audio

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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