EPZ X TIPSY STAR ONE 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 X TIPSY STAR ONE
Kiwi Ears Airoso

HearWiki score

Sound

7.2

8.2

Value

6.9

8.3

Price (USD)

$70

$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 X TIPSY STAR ONE (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.

X TIPSY STAR ONE2024
Airoso20251 yr newer

Specifications

X TIPSY STAR ONEAiroso

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $70; $130
HearWiki score: 67; 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: 64 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 X TIPSY STAR ONE vs Kiwi Ears Airoso
Spec	EPZ X TIPSY STAR ONE	Kiwi Ears Airoso
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$70	$130
HearWiki score	67 / 100 Good	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	64 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 X TIPSY STAR ONE

This wired in-ear monitor, a collaboration between EPZ and Tipsy, features a custom 10 mm dual-cavity dynamic driver with an LCP+PU diaphragm. It's tuned for live streaming, stage monitoring, and critical listening, offering a detailed and engaging sound signature. With a detachable 2-pin cable and a 64-ohm impedance, it's a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, performance-focused IEM around $70.

Pro:Clear and detailed sound for monitoring and critical listening
Pro:Detachable 0.78 mm 2-pin cable allows for easy upgrades
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended sessions

Con:Requires a decent source due to 64-ohm impedance
Con:No noise cancellation, so not ideal for noisy environments
Con:Single dynamic driver may lack the extreme treble extension of multi-driver setups

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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