Etymotic hf2 vs Kiwi Ears KE4: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Etymotic hf2 vs Kiwi Ears KE4, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Wired IEMs

Etymotic hf2

Not yet scored

$180

Full review data

Wired IEMs

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 hf2
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

Value

8.6

Price (USD)

$180

$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 14 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 14 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

hf22010
KE4202414 yr newer

Specifications

hf2KE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $180; $200
HearWiki score: Not scored; 84
Released: 2010; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; 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
Sound signature: neutral-warm; -
Impedance: -; 28 Ω
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Controls: buttons; -
Voice assistant: No; -
Detachable cable: -; Yes
Connector: -; 3.5 mm
Microphones: 1; -

Specification comparison of Etymotic hf2 vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	Etymotic hf2	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$180	$200
HearWiki score	Not scored	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2010	2024
Audio
Driver	balanced armature	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	balanced-armature	hybrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	-	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	4
Sound signature	neutral-warm	-
Impedance	-	28 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Controls	buttons	-
Voice assistant	No	-
Design
Detachable cable	-	Yes
Connector	-	3.5 mm
Calls
Microphones	1	-

What reviewers said

Etymotic hf2

The Etymotic hf2 is a wired in-ear monitor built around a single balanced-armature driver, tuned for a neutral-warm sound that prioritizes accuracy. It offers strong passive noise isolation and includes an in-line mic with a single button for call and playback control on compatible devices.

Pro:Accurate, neutral-warm tuning
Pro:Strong passive noise isolation
Pro:Balanced armature driver for detail

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Wired design limits portability
Con:Single-button control may be limited

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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