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Etymotic ER2XR Earphones 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.

Score breakdown

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

Kiwi Ears KE4 leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • Etymotic ER2XR Earphones
  • Kiwi Ears KE4
HearWiki score
76
84
Sound
7.9
8.6
Value
6.8
8.6
Price (USD)
$140
$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

The Etymotic ER2XR Earphones is 2 years newer, but it is 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.

  • ER2XR Earphones20262 yr newer
  • KE42024

Specifications

ER2XR EarphonesKE4
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$140
$200
HearWiki score
76
84
Released
2026
2024
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
dynamic
2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type
dynamic
hybrid
Driver configuration
-
2DD + 2BA
Driver size
-
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
4
Frequency response
20 Hz - 16 kHz
-
Sound signature
bass-heavy
-
Impedance
15 Ω
28 Ω
Sensitivity
96 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
No
-
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
buttons
-
Weight
2 g
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
-
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm

What reviewers said

Etymotic ER2XR Earphones

The Etymotic ER2XR is a wired, single-dynamic-driver IEM that offers a detailed, reference-style sound with a slightly warm tilt and a touch of extra bass. It is easy to drive from portable sources, provides strong passive isolation, and is built around compact aluminum shells with a detachable cable. While praised for its sonic accuracy and value, its deep-insertion fit and cable noise may not suit everyone.

  • Pro:Accurate, neutral-to-warm tuning with strong detail retrieval
  • Pro:Easy to drive from phones and portable players
  • Pro:Excellent passive noise isolation
  • Con:Deep-insertion fit can be uncomfortable for some
  • Con:Noticeable cable microphonics
  • Con:No app support or EQ options

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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New comparisonEtymotic ER2XR EarphonesKiwi Ears KE4