CrinEar Daybreak vs Kiwi Ears KE4: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the CrinEar Daybreak comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: CrinEar Daybreak - Great overall at around $170.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

CrinEar Daybreak leads on 4 of 4 measures.

CrinEar Daybreak
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

8.8

8.6

Value

9.2

8.6

Price (USD)

$170

$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

CrinEar Daybreak (2025) against Kiwi Ears KE4 (2024). 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.

Daybreak20251 yr newer
KE42024

Specifications

DaybreakKE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $170; $200
HearWiki score: 81; 81
Released: 2025; 2024
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 1DD + 2BA tribrid; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: tribrid; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 2BA; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: -; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 3; 4
Impedance: 20 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Detachable cable: -; Yes
Connector: -; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of CrinEar Daybreak vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	CrinEar Daybreak	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$170	$200
HearWiki score	81 / 100 Great	81 / 100 Great
Released	2025	2024
Audio
Driver	1DD + 2BA tribrid	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	tribrid	hybrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 2BA	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	-	10 mm
Drivers per side	3	4
Impedance	20 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	105 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Detachable cable	-	Yes
Connector	-	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

CrinEar Daybreak

The CrinEar Daybreak is a well-rounded wired IEM that delivers a balanced, natural sound with a slight sub-bass emphasis, making it a strong contender around the $170 price point. It excels at reproducing acoustic music with lifelike mids and offers a non-fatiguing treble, though its overall presentation may feel too subdued for those seeking a more colored or dynamic experience. While not class-leading, it competes effectively as a reference-style option with minor trade-offs in build and technical performance.

Pro:Natural, lifelike midrange especially for acoustic tracks
Pro:Balanced tuning with solid bass texture and non-fatiguing treble
Pro:Good value for the price in its category

Con:Stock cable feels cheap and flimsy
Con:Can sound shouty on certain recordings
Con:Lacks excitement for listeners wanting more coloration

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.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparison CrinEar Daybreak Kiwi Ears KE4