Wired IEMs
Etymotic MK5 Isolator Earphones
62Good
$100
Full review dataEtymotic MK5 Isolator 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 3 of 4 measures.
- Etymotic MK5 Isolator Earphones
- Kiwi Ears KE4
HearWiki score
62
84
Sound
6.7
8.6
Value
6.0
8.6
Price (USD)
$100
$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 MK5 Isolator 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.
- MK5 Isolator Earphones20262 yr newer
- KE42024
Specifications
MK5 Isolator EarphonesKE4
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $100
- $200
- HearWiki score
- 62
- 84
- Released
- 2026
- 2024
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 6 mm dynamic
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- Driver type
- dynamic
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 2DD + 2BA
- Driver size
- 6 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 4
- Impedance
- 32 Ω
- 28 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 95 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- 122.5 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- No
- Yes
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 3.5 mm
What reviewers said
Etymotic MK5 Isolator Earphones
The Etymotic MK5 Isolator Earphones are a wired, budget-friendly in-ear option that delivers a neutral sound signature with impressive passive noise blocking for the price. They prioritize clarity and detail, making them a solid pick for listeners who value isolation and accurate reproduction over bass-heavy or flashy tuning.
- Pro:Excellent passive isolation for the price
- Pro:Neutral, detailed sound presentation
- Pro:Competitive value in its budget range
- Con:Tuning can lean bright for some tastes
- Con:Fit may be uncomfortable for certain ears
- Con:Limited bass and treble extension
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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