Wired IEMs
Etymotic HF5
Not yet scored
$150
Full review dataEtymotic HF5 vs Kiwi Ears KE4: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Etymotic HF5 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
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 3 of 4 measures.
- Etymotic HF5
- Kiwi Ears KE4
HearWiki score
-
84
Sound
-
8.6
Value
-
8.6
Price (USD)
$150
$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
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.
- HF5Year unknown
- KE42024
Specifications
HF5KE4
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $150
- $200
- HearWiki score
- Not scored
- 84
- Released
- -
- 2024
- Availability
- Availability unknown
- 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
- -
- 4
- Sound signature
- mid-forward
- -
- Impedance
- -
- 28 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Detachable cable
- No
- Yes
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 3.5 mm
What reviewers said
Etymotic HF5
The Etymotic HF5 are wired in-ear monitors featuring a balanced armature driver and a closed-back design, delivering strong passive noise isolation and a secure, portable fit. Their sound signature is notably mid-forward, which some listeners may find overly prominent for critical listening, though it suits those who prioritize vocal clarity.
- Pro:Excellent passive noise isolation
- Pro:Stable and portable fit
- Pro:Clear mid-forward tuning for vocals
- Con:Mid-range may be too emphasized for some
- Con:Non-detachable cable limits repairability
- Con:No active noise cancellation
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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