Hidizs MD4 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 3 of 4 measures.

Hidizs MD4
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

6.9

8.6

Value

5.9

8.6

Price (USD)

$140

$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 2 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.

MD42022
KE420242 yr newer

Specifications

MD4KE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $140; $200
HearWiki score: 60; 84
Released: 2022; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: 4× balanced armature; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: balanced-armature; hybrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: -; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 4; 4
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz; -
Impedance: 8 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Controls: both; -
Weight: 14 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; -
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of Hidizs MD4 vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	Hidizs MD4	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$140	$200
HearWiki score	60 / 100 Average	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2024
Audio
Driver	4× balanced armature	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	balanced-armature	hybrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	-	10 mm
Drivers per side	4	4
Frequency response	20 Hz - 40 kHz	-
Impedance	8 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	102 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Controls	both	-
Design
Weight	14 g	-
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	-
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

Hidizs MD4

The Hidizs MD4 is a compact, lightweight four-driver balanced-armature IEM that offers impressive detail and texture for its price. Its standout feature is dual tuning switches providing four sound modes, giving users flexibility to tailor the sound signature. With a low 8-ohm impedance and high sensitivity, it is easy to drive from most sources, making it a versatile and accessible option for those seeking a technical yet tunable listening experience.

Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and texture for the price
Pro:Four switchable tuning modes for flexibility
Pro:Compact and lightweight build

Con:Occasional nasal timbre on some female vocals
Con:Potential channel imbalance if switches are not set consistently
Con:No included active noise cancellation

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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