Wired IEMs
Bose SoundTrue Ultra
Not yet scored
$130
Full review dataBose SoundTrue Ultra vs Kiwi Ears KE4: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Bose SoundTrue Ultra vs Kiwi Ears KE4, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataScore 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.
- Bose SoundTrue Ultra
- Kiwi Ears KE4
HearWiki score
-
84
Sound
-
8.6
Value
-
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
The Kiwi Ears KE4 is 9 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 9 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- SoundTrue Ultra2015
- KE420249 yr newer
Specifications
SoundTrue UltraKE4
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $130
- $200
- HearWiki score
- Not scored
- 84
- Released
- 2015
- 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
- -
- 28 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Controls
- both
- -
- Weight
- 17.9 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
- Connector
- -
- 3.5 mm
What reviewers said
Bose SoundTrue Ultra
The Bose SoundTrue Ultra wired in-ears deliver reliable, balanced sound through a single dynamic driver, with passive isolation courtesy of StayHear Ultra tips that also ensure a stable, comfortable fit. Built for everyday use, they include an inline remote and mic for easy call and playback management on compatible devices.
- Pro:Secure, comfortable fit from StayHear Ultra tips
- Pro:Effective passive noise isolation
- Pro:Convenient inline controls and microphone
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Limited to wired connection
- Con:Only one dynamic driver may limit soundstage
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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