Final E5000 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.

Final E5000
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

8.0

8.6

Value

5.4

8.6

Price (USD)

$330

$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 5 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 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

E50002019
KE420245 yr newer

Specifications

E5000KE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $330; $200
HearWiki score: 68; 84
Released: 2019; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 6.4 mm dynamic; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: dynamic; hybrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: 6.4 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 4
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; -
Impedance: 14 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: 93 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Weight: 24 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
Connector: MMCX; 3.5 mm
Model code: FI-E5DSSD; -

Specification comparison of Final E5000 vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	Final E5000	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$330	$200
HearWiki score	68 / 100 Good	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2019	2024
Audio
Driver	6.4 mm dynamic	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	dynamic	hybrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	6.4 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	4
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	-
Impedance	14 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	93 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Weight	24 g	-
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
Connector	MMCX	3.5 mm
Model code	FI-E5DSSD	-

What reviewers said

Final E5000

The Final E5000 is a premium wired IEM with a warm, bass-forward signature and a smooth, non-fatiguing presentation. Its low impedance and moderate sensitivity mean it performs best with a more capable source, while its high-quality build and detachable MMCX cable add to its appeal. This is a refined, musical earphone that prioritizes enjoyment over analytical detail.

Pro:Warm, bass-capable sound with smooth tuning
Pro:Premium build quality and finish
Pro:Detachable MMCX cable for versatility

Con:Low sensitivity requires a powerful source
Con:Elevated price for its feature set
Con:Not a highly analytical or detailed sound

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.

New comparison Final E5000 Kiwi Ears KE4