EPZ P40 vs Kiwi Ears Septet: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the EPZ P40 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: EPZ P40 - Great overall at around $160.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

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

EPZ P40 leads on 4 of 4 measures.

EPZ P40
Kiwi Ears Septet

HearWiki score

Sound

8.5

8.2

Value

8.0

7.8

Price (USD)

$160

$270

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

EPZ P40 (2026) against Kiwi Ears Septet (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.

P4020261 yr newer
Septet2025

Specifications

P40Septet

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $160; $270
HearWiki score: 82; 77
Released: 2026; 2025
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 2DD + 1PL + 1PZT tribrid; 1DD + 4BA + 1PL + 1PZT tribrid
Driver type: tribrid; tribrid
Driver configuration: 2DD + 1PL + 1PZT; 1DD + 4BA + 1PL + 1PZT
Driver size: -; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 4; 7
Impedance: 14 Ω; 15 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 95 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm

Specification comparison of EPZ P40 vs Kiwi Ears Septet
Spec	EPZ P40	Kiwi Ears Septet
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$160	$270
HearWiki score	82 / 100 Great	77 / 100 Great
Released	2026	2025
Audio
Driver	2DD + 1PL + 1PZT tribrid	1DD + 4BA + 1PL + 1PZT tribrid
Driver type	tribrid	tribrid
Driver configuration	2DD + 1PL + 1PZT	1DD + 4BA + 1PL + 1PZT
Driver size	-	10 mm
Drivers per side	4	7
Impedance	14 Ω	15 Ω
Sensitivity	-	95 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	2-pin 0.78 mm

What reviewers said

EPZ P40

The EPZ P40 is a wired tribrid IEM that delivers a clean, technically strong sound with excellent midrange presence, controlled bass, and precise imaging for its price. While it shines in resolution and transparency, its tuning can feel sharp or cold to some ears, and it falls just short of class-leading treble refinement. Overall, it's a compelling option under $200 for listeners who value clarity and detail over warmth.

Pro:Excellent midrange clarity and vocal presence
Pro:Tight, well-defined bass response
Pro:Strong technical performance with precise imaging

Con:Treble lacks some extension and refinement
Con:Tuning may come across as sharp or shouty
Con:Limited included eartips

Kiwi Ears Septet

The Kiwi Ears Septet is a wired, reference-oriented tribrid IEM that delivers impressive resolution, airy highs, and a spacious soundstage, making it a strong pick for detail-focused listeners. It leans bright and technical rather than warm, with controlled bass and clear mids, but it demands a capable source and offers limited isolation due to its open-back design. Overall, it provides solid build quality and good value for its price, though its treble can occasionally become sharp on certain tracks.

Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and treble clarity
Pro:Spacious, open soundstage with airy highs
Pro:Controlled bass and natural midrange balance

Con:Requires ample power to perform optimally
Con:Limited noise isolation due to open-back design
Con:Treble can sound sharp or sibilant on some recordings

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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