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 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.

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; 84
Released: 2025; 2024
Availability: Sold new; Still sold new
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	84 / 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 IEM featuring an eight-driver hybrid setup with two dynamic and six balanced-armature drivers per side, aimed at high-fidelity listening. Its robust build includes IPX4 water resistance, making it suitable for active use despite being a wired model. With a 35-ohm impedance and 113 dB sensitivity, it is efficient enough for most portable sources.

Pro:Detailed and powerful hybrid sound
Pro:Good build quality with IPX4 rating
Pro:Efficient enough for portable devices

Con:Requires a wired source
Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:May need a decent amplifier for best results

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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