GoldPlanar GL12 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.

GoldPlanar GL12
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

3.8

8.6

Value

8.6

Price (USD)

$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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

GL122021
KE420243 yr newer

Specifications

GL12KE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $200; $200
HearWiki score: 18; 84
Released: 2021; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: 12.5 mm planar magnetic; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: planar; hybrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: 12.5 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 4
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 50 kHz; -
Impedance: 20 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: 108 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Weight: 6.5 g; -
Detachable cable: -; Yes
Connector: 4.4 mm balanced; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of GoldPlanar GL12 vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	GoldPlanar GL12	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$200	$200
HearWiki score	18 / 100 Weak	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2021	2024
Audio
Driver	12.5 mm planar magnetic	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	planar	hybrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	12.5 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	4
Frequency response	20 Hz - 50 kHz	-
Impedance	20 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	108 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Weight	6.5 g	-
Detachable cable	-	Yes
Connector	4.4 mm balanced	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

GoldPlanar GL12

The GoldPlanar GL12 is a lightweight planar magnetic IEM with a warm, bass-forward tuning that some will appreciate for its smoothness. While it is easy to drive and feels solidly built, its heavily recessed midrange and treble create a dark sound that lacks energy and detail. For its price, it faces tough competition and may not satisfy listeners seeking a balanced or lively signature.

Pro:Strong bass impact and satisfying low-end punch
Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable to wear
Pro:Easy to drive with high sensitivity

Con:Mids and treble are significantly recessed, creating a dark sound
Con:Limited detail retrieval and soft transient response
Con:Imaging is weak, affecting spatial accuracy

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 GoldPlanar GL12 Kiwi Ears KE4