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 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.

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: 65; 81
Released: 2023; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Discontinued
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	65 / 100 Good	81 / 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 that pairs a dynamic driver, two balanced armatures, and two planar drivers in a five-driver setup. Its tuning is bold and V-shaped, delivering punchy bass, lively treble, and an energetic, detail-forward sound that prioritizes excitement over neutrality. With a 32-ohm impedance and lightweight build, it suits listeners who want a technically ambitious, characterful signature rather than a safe or relaxed one.

Pro:Energetic, engaging V-shaped tuning with strong bass impact
Pro:Detailed and articulate treble extension from multi-driver design
Pro:Intriguing 1DD+2BA+2PL tribrid architecture for the price

Con:No noise cancellation or isolation features
Con:Bold tuning may feel too intense or colored for purists
Con:Requires a decent source to fully control the multi-driver array

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 Celest Phoenixcall Kiwi Ears KE4