CRINEAR Project Meta 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 4 of 4 measures.

CRINEAR Project Meta
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

8.2

8.6

Value

8.6

Price (USD)

$250

$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 Project Meta (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.

Project Meta20251 yr newer
KE42024

Specifications

Project MetaKE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $250; $200
HearWiki score: 77; 84
Released: 2025; 2024
Availability: Sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 1DD + 2BA hybrid; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: hybrid; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 2BA; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: -; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 3; 4
Impedance: 19 Ω; 28 Ω
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Detachable cable: -; Yes
Connector: -; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of CRINEAR Project Meta vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	CRINEAR Project Meta	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$250	$200
HearWiki score	77 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2025	2024
Audio
Driver	1DD + 2BA hybrid	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	hybrid	hybrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 2BA	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	-	10 mm
Drivers per side	3	4
Impedance	19 Ω	28 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Detachable cable	-	Yes
Connector	-	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

CRINEAR Project Meta

The CRINEAR Project Meta is a wired hybrid IEM featuring a 1DD + 2BA driver setup and a refined, tilted diffuse-field tuning with a tasteful bass boost. It offers excellent comfort, a compact aluminum shell, and solid accessories, making it a strong midrange-focused choice for its price. However, its limited availability may make it harder to find at retail.

Pro:Refined midrange tuning with a tasteful bass boost
Pro:Compact and durable aluminum shell
Pro:Excellent comfort for extended listening

Con:Limited availability, no longer offered at retail
Con:May be outperformed by newer options in the same price range

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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New comparison CRINEAR Project Meta Kiwi Ears KE4