EPZ Q5 PRO vs Kiwi Ears Airoso: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears Airoso comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 79. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Kiwi Ears Airoso - Great overall at around $130.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

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

Kiwi Ears Airoso leads on 3 of 4 measures.

EPZ Q5 PRO
Kiwi Ears Airoso

HearWiki score

Sound

7.7

8.2

Value

7.6

8.3

Price (USD)

$66

$130

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

Kiwi Ears Airoso (2025) against EPZ Q5 PRO (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.

Q5 PRO2024
Airoso20251 yr newer

Specifications

Q5 PROAiroso

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $66; $130
HearWiki score: 73; 79
Released: 2024; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 1DD; 1DD + 4BA hybrid
Driver type: dynamic; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1DD; 1DD + 4BA
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 5
Impedance: 24 Ω; 18 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 110 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Weight: -; 12 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm

Specification comparison of EPZ Q5 PRO vs Kiwi Ears Airoso
Spec	EPZ Q5 PRO	Kiwi Ears Airoso
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$66	$130
HearWiki score	73 / 100 Great	79 / 100 Great
Released	2024	2025
Audio
Driver	1DD	1DD + 4BA hybrid
Driver type	dynamic	hybrid
Driver configuration	1DD	1DD + 4BA
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	5
Impedance	24 Ω	18 Ω
Sensitivity	-	110 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Weight	-	12 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	2-pin 0.78 mm

What reviewers said

EPZ Q5 PRO

The EPZ Q5 Pro is a budget-friendly single-dynamic-driver IEM that delivers a balanced, neutral sound with solid technical performance for its price. It features a comfortable shell, decent build quality, and an improved design over its predecessor, though it's held back by a less-than-stellar stock cable. If you're after a clean, uncolored tuning without heavy bass, this is a strong contender in its class.

Pro:Neutral, well-balanced tuning that's easy to enjoy
Pro:Comfortable and lightweight shells for long listening
Pro:Wider soundstage and better-controlled treble than the older Q5

Con:Stock cable feels thin and prone to tangling
Con:Slight harshness in the upper frequencies at times
Con:Not for listeners who prefer a bass-heavy signature

Kiwi Ears Airoso

This hybrid in-ear monitor pairs a single 10mm dynamic driver with four balanced-armature drivers to deliver a detailed and versatile sound signature. It is a wired, lightweight option with a detachable 0.78mm two-pin cable, suited for listeners who prioritize clarity and customization over wireless convenience or noise blocking. With a low 18-ohm impedance and high 110dB sensitivity, it is easy to drive from most portable sources.

Pro:Detailed hybrid tuning with good separation
Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
Pro:Detachable standard 0.78mm cable for easy upgrades

Con:No noise cancellation or isolation from ambient sound
Con:Wired only, no Bluetooth option
Con:Five-driver setup may require a good source to shine fully

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

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