Fosi Audio IM4 vs Kiwi Ears KE4: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears KE4 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. 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 3 of 4 measures.

Fosi Audio IM4
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

7.4

8.6

Value

7.8

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

Fosi Audio IM4 (2025) against Kiwi Ears KE4 (2024). 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.

IM420251 yr newer
KE42024

Specifications

IM4KE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $100; $200
HearWiki score: 72; 81
Released: 2025; 2024
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 2× 10 mm dynamic; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: dynamic; hybrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 2; 4
Impedance: 21 Ω; 28 Ω
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Weight: 7 g; -
Detachable cable: -; Yes
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of Fosi Audio IM4 vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	Fosi Audio IM4	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$100	$200
HearWiki score	72 / 100 Great	81 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2025	2024
Audio
Driver	2× 10 mm dynamic	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	dynamic	hybrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	2	4
Impedance	21 Ω	28 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Weight	7 g	-
Detachable cable	-	Yes
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

Fosi Audio IM4

The Fosi Audio IM4 is a wired, dual-dynamic-driver IEM around the $100 mark that leans into an open, detailed sound with a focus on upper mids and treble. It's a comfortable, well-built option that shines with vocals and acoustic material, though its tuning may feel a bit uneven for those wanting a perfectly neutral all-rounder. Overall, it offers strong technical performance and value for its price, with a few tonal quirks to consider.

Pro:Spacious, open soundstage with good separation
Pro:Comfortable and solid build quality
Pro:Strong detail retrieval for the price

Con:Tonal balance can feel uneven, especially in lower mids
Con:Cymbal timbre can come across as metallic at times
Con:No modular plug system included

Kiwi Ears KE4

The Kiwi Ears KE4 is a hybrid IEM that delivers a balanced, smooth sound signature with a touch of added bass and treble sparkle, making it a versatile choice for many genres. It offers solid clarity and a comfortable fit, though its tuning leans relaxed rather than aggressive, and it lacks the ultimate resolving power of pricier models. Overall, it's a polished performer around the $200 mark that suits listeners who prefer a neutral yet slightly warm presentation.

Pro:Well-balanced tuning with a relaxing character
Pro:Rich lower mids and airy treble
Pro:Comfortable fit for long sessions

Con:Sub-bass can feel a bit overpowering at times
Con:Limited dynamics and resolving power compared to top-tier IEMs
Con:Accessories are minimal

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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