Wired IEMs
FiiO F9
Not yet scored
$100
Full review dataFiiO F9 vs Kiwi Ears KE4: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the FiiO F9 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.
- FiiO F9
- Kiwi Ears KE4
HearWiki score
-
84
Sound
-
8.6
Value
-
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 Kiwi Ears KE4 is 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- F92018
- KE420246 yr newer
Specifications
F9KE4
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $100
- $200
- HearWiki score
- Not scored
- 84
- Released
- 2018
- 2024
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 2BA hybrid
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 2BA
- 2DD + 2BA
- Driver size
- 9.2 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 3
- 4
- Frequency response
- 15 Hz - 40 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 28 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 106 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Controls
- buttons
- -
- Weight
- 21 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Connector
- MMCX
- 3.5 mm
What reviewers said
FiiO F9
The FiiO F9 is a triple-driver in-ear monitor that combines a 9.2mm dynamic driver with two balanced armatures for a detailed, balanced sound with a treble emphasis. It comes with detachable MMCX cables, including both 3.5mm and 2.5mm balanced options, and offers a comfortable fit with a lightweight build. Priced around $100, it's a solid choice for those seeking a hybrid sound without active noise cancellation.
- Pro:Balanced sound with clear treble detail
- Pro:Detachable MMCX cables with multiple connection options
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
- Con:Treble peak may be too bright for some listeners
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Requires a source with enough power to drive efficiently
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.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.