FiiO FH7 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

Score 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.

FiiO FH7
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

7.9

8.6

Value

8.6

Price (USD)

$320

$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 4 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 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

FH72020
KE420244 yr newer

Specifications

FH7KE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $320; $200
HearWiki score: 71; 84
Released: 2020; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 1DD + 4BA hybrid; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: hybrid; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 4BA; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: 13.6 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 5; 4
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 40 kHz; -
Impedance: 16 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: 111 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Controls: none; -
Weight: 8.2 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; -
Connector: 3.5 mm; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of FiiO FH7 vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	FiiO FH7	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$320	$200
HearWiki score	71 / 100 Good	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2020	2024
Audio
Driver	1DD + 4BA hybrid	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	hybrid	hybrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 4BA	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	13.6 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	5	4
Frequency response	5 Hz - 40 kHz	-
Impedance	16 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	111 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Controls	none	-
Design
Weight	8.2 g	-
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	-
Connector	3.5 mm	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

FiiO FH7

The FiiO FH7 is a flagship-grade hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a 13.6 mm dynamic driver with four balanced armatures for a detailed, dynamic sound. It offers good resolution, easy drivability from most sources, and a well-built shell with swappable tuning filters to tailor the response. This wired, passive IEM delivers a technically capable and engaging listen for its price point.

Pro:Powerful hybrid driver setup with clear detail retrieval
Pro:Very easy to drive from phones or DAPs
Pro:Interchangeable tuning filters for sound customization

Con:No inline controls or microphone on the cable
Con:Requires a source with a 3.5 mm output or an adapter
Con:Stock cable may benefit from an upgrade for some users

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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New comparison FiiO FH7 Kiwi Ears KE4