Hidizs MP143 Salt 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 MP143 Salt
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

7.8

8.6

Value

7.8

8.6

Price (USD)

$150

$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

Both shipped in 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.

MP143 Salt2024
KE42024

Specifications

MP143 SaltKE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $150; $200
HearWiki score: 75; 84
Released: 2024; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 14.3 mm planar magnetic; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: planar; hybrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: 14.3 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 4
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz; -
Sound signature: neutral; -
Impedance: 17 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Companion app: No; -
Custom EQ: No; -
Wear detection: No; -
Controls: none; -
Weight: 16 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; -
Connector: 4.4 mm balanced; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of Hidizs MP143 Salt vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	Hidizs MP143 Salt	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$150	$200
HearWiki score	75 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2024
Audio
Driver	14.3 mm planar magnetic	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	planar	hybrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	14.3 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	4
Frequency response	20 Hz - 40 kHz	-
Sound signature	neutral	-
Impedance	17 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	103 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Companion app	No	-
Custom EQ	No	-
Wear detection	No	-
Controls	none	-
Design
Weight	16 g	-
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	-
Connector	4.4 mm balanced	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

Hidizs MP143 Salt

The Hidizs MP143 Salt is a budget-friendly planar IEM with a neutral sound signature, offering a spacious and engaging presentation that suits orchestral, rock, and electronic genres. It delivers solid technical performance and easy drivability, though its shell design may favor larger ears and its timbre can lean slightly metallic.

Pro:Excellent value for planar performance
Pro:Spacious and atmospheric soundstage
Pro:Easy to drive with any source

Con:Mids can sound slightly recessed or hazy
Con:Upper treble may be subdued for some
Con:Timbre can be a bit metallic

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 Hidizs MP143 Salt Kiwi Ears KE4