HiFiMAN RE800 Silver 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.

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

HiFiMAN RE800 Silver
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

8.0

8.6

Value

8.8

8.6

Price (USD)

$120

$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.

RE800 Silver2024
KE42024

Specifications

RE800 SilverKE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $120; $200
HearWiki score: 76; 84
Released: 2024; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 9.2 mm dynamic; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: dynamic; hybrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: 9.2 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 4
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 20 kHz; -
Impedance: 60 Ω; 28 Ω
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Weight: 27 g; -
Detachable cable: No; Yes
USB-C: No; -
Connector: -; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN RE800 Silver vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	HiFiMAN RE800 Silver	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$120	$200
HearWiki score	76 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2024
Audio
Driver	9.2 mm dynamic	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	dynamic	hybrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	9.2 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	4
Frequency response	5 Hz - 20 kHz	-
Impedance	60 Ω	28 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Weight	27 g	-
Detachable cable	No	Yes
USB-C	No	-
Connector	-	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN RE800 Silver

The HiFiMAN RE800 Silver is a wired single-dynamic-driver IEM that delivers impressive detail and a vivid, balanced sound with a slightly bright tilt. It offers strong value for its price, packing much of the flagship RE2000 experience into a compact, comfortable shell. While its non-detachable cable is a limitation, its performance and build make it a compelling budget audiophile choice.

Pro:Excellent price-to-performance ratio
Pro:Detailed and clear sound with strong mids and treble
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable design

Con:Non-detachable cable limits customization and durability
Con:Slightly bright tuning may not suit all listeners
Con:Requires a decent source due to 60-ohm impedance

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 HiFiMAN RE800 Silver Kiwi Ears KE4