CRINEAR Project Meta vs Kiwi Ears Astral: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears Astral 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 Astral - Great overall at around $299.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

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

Kiwi Ears Astral leads on 3 of 4 measures.

CRINEAR Project Meta
Kiwi Ears Astral

HearWiki score

Sound

8.2

8.6

Value

8.3

Price (USD)

$250

$300

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

Both shipped in 2025. 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.

Project Meta2025
Astral2025

Specifications

Project MetaAstral

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $250; $300
HearWiki score: 76; 81
Released: 2025; 2025
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 1DD + 2BA hybrid; 1DD + 6BA hybrid
Driver type: hybrid; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 2BA; 1DD + 6BA
Driver size: -; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 3; 7
Impedance: 19 Ω; 23 Ω
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Water resistance: -; IPX4
Detachable cable: -; Yes

Specification comparison of CRINEAR Project Meta vs Kiwi Ears Astral
Spec	CRINEAR Project Meta	Kiwi Ears Astral
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$250	$300
HearWiki score	76 / 100 Great	81 / 100 Great
Released	2025	2025
Audio
Driver	1DD + 2BA hybrid	1DD + 6BA hybrid
Driver type	hybrid	hybrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 2BA	1DD + 6BA
Driver size	-	10 mm
Drivers per side	3	7
Impedance	19 Ω	23 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Water resistance	-	IPX4
Detachable cable	-	Yes

What reviewers said

CRINEAR Project Meta

The CRINEAR Project Meta is a wired hybrid IEM with a single dynamic driver and dual balanced armatures, tuned for a refined midrange-forward sound with a subtle diffuse-field tilt and a tasteful bass lift. Its compact aluminum shell and ergonomic design deliver strong comfort and durability, making it a solid pick for its price, though its limited retail availability may be a hurdle for some buyers.

Pro:Comfortable, lightweight aluminum build
Pro:Refined midrange-focused tuning with natural vocals
Pro:Good accessory package and overall design

Con:No longer widely available at retail
Con:Limited bass impact for bass-heavy listeners
Con:Requires a quality source to shine due to low impedance

Kiwi Ears Astral

The Kiwi Ears Astral is a hybrid wired IEM that blends a dynamic driver with six balanced armatures, delivering a bass-forward yet detailed sound with smooth highs and a natural midrange. While it offers strong clarity, good instrument separation, and a comfortable fit for many, its large shells may cause fatigue over long sessions, and the mid-bass and lower midrange could feel leaner than some listeners prefer. Overall, it's a well-rounded performer in the $300 range, though not perfectly neutral due to its elevated low end and relaxed treble.

Pro:Deep, impactful sub-bass with good control
Pro:Clear and detailed treble without harshness
Pro:Natural midrange with good instrument separation

Con:Large shells may reduce comfort during extended listening
Con:Limited included eartip selection
Con:Mid-bass punch and lower midrange can seem thin

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 Project Meta Kiwi Ears Astral