DUNU Vulkan 2 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 4 of 4 measures.

DUNU Vulkan 2
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

6.1

8.6

Value

6.0

8.6

Price (USD)

$360

$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

DUNU Vulkan 2 (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.

Vulkan 220251 yr newer
KE42024

Specifications

Vulkan 2KE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $360; $200
HearWiki score: 53; 81
Released: 2025; 2024
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 2DD + 6BA hybrid; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: hybrid; hybrid
Driver configuration: 2DD + 6BA; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: -; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 8; 4
Impedance: 35 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: 113 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Water resistance: IPX4; -
Detachable cable: -; Yes
Connector: -; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of DUNU Vulkan 2 vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	DUNU Vulkan 2	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$360	$200
HearWiki score	53 / 100 Average	81 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2025	2024
Audio
Driver	2DD + 6BA hybrid	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	hybrid	hybrid
Driver configuration	2DD + 6BA	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	-	10 mm
Drivers per side	8	4
Impedance	35 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	113 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Water resistance	IPX4	-
Detachable cable	-	Yes
Connector	-	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

DUNU Vulkan 2

The DUNU Vulkan 2 is a premium wired in-ear monitor that combines two dynamic drivers with six balanced-armature drivers per side for a rich, hybrid sound signature. With an IPX4 rating and a comfortable 35-ohm impedance, it's built for detailed, on-the-go listening without active noise cancellation.

Pro:Detailed and layered sound from 8-driver hybrid setup
Pro:Lightweight and sweat-resistant with IPX4 rating
Pro:Efficient 113 dB sensitivity works well with most sources

Con:No active noise cancellation for noisy environments
Con:Requires a wired connection, no wireless convenience
Con:Higher price point may not suit budget listeners

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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