Celest Phoenixcall 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 3 of 4 measures.

Celest Phoenixcall
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

7.3

8.6

Value

6.7

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

Kiwi Ears KE4 (2024) against Celest Phoenixcall (2023). 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.

Phoenixcall2023
KE420241 yr newer

Specifications

PhoenixcallKE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $130; $200
HearWiki score: 68; 84
Released: 2023; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 1DD + 2BA + 2PL tribrid; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: tribrid; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 2BA + 2PL; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: 7 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 5; 4
Impedance: 32 Ω; 28 Ω
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Weight: 39.8 g; -
Detachable cable: -; Yes
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of Celest Phoenixcall vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	Celest Phoenixcall	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$130	$200
HearWiki score	68 / 100 Good	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2023	2024
Audio
Driver	1DD + 2BA + 2PL tribrid	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	tribrid	hybrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 2BA + 2PL	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	7 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	5	4
Impedance	32 Ω	28 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Weight	39.8 g	-
Detachable cable	-	Yes
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

Celest Phoenixcall

The Celest Phoenixcall is a wired tribrid IEM with a five-driver setup that delivers a bold, V-shaped sound focused on impact and treble sparkle. Its intricate design and energetic tuning make it a characterful choice for listeners who prefer an intense, detailed presentation over a neutral one.

Pro:Complex five-driver tribrid design
Pro:Energetic V-shaped sound with strong bass and treble
Pro:Good detail retrieval and technical performance

Con:Not for neutral or reference tuning fans
Con:Bold signature may be fatiguing for some
Con:Requires a decent source to shine due to 32-ohm impedance

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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