Wired IEMs
Etymotic ER4XR Earphones
74Great
$270
Full review dataEtymotic ER4XR 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.
Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataScore 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.
- Etymotic ER4XR Earphones
- Kiwi Ears KE4
HearWiki score
74
84
Sound
8.1
8.6
Value
5.6
8.6
Price (USD)
$270
$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 Kiwi Ears KE4 is 8 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. For 8 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- ER4XR Earphones2016
- KE420248 yr newer
Specifications
ER4XR EarphonesKE4
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $270
- $200
- HearWiki score
- 74
- 84
- Released
- 2016
- 2024
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- balanced armature
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- Driver type
- balanced-armature
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 2DD + 2BA
- Driver size
- -
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 4
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz - 16 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 45 Ω
- 28 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 98 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- ANC type
- none
- -
- Transparency mode
- No
- -
- Companion app
- No
- -
- Custom EQ
- No
- -
- Wear detection
- No
- -
- Controls
- none
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 3.5 mm
What reviewers said
Etymotic ER4XR Earphones
The Etymotic ER4XR is a wired, single balanced-armature in-ear monitor known for its precise, analytical sound and excellent passive noise isolation thanks to a deep-insertion fit. It’s a compact and durable choice for focused listening, though its minimalist design lacks onboard controls and modern conveniences, making it more suited to professionals than casual users.
- Pro:Excellent passive isolation
- Pro:Analytical and detailed mid-range
- Pro:Compact and durable build
- Con:Deep insertion fit may be uncomfortable
- Con:Bass-light tuning not for everyone
- Con:No inline remote or controls
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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