Kefine Klanar 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.

Kefine Klanar
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

7.3

8.6

Value

6.0

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

Kiwi Ears KE4 (2024) against Kefine Klanar (2023). 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.

Klanar2023
KE420241 yr newer

Specifications

KlanarKE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $120; $200
HearWiki score: 71; 84
Released: 2023; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 14.5 mm planar magnetic; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: planar; hybrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: 14.5 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: -; 4
Impedance: 16 Ω; 28 Ω
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Weight: 12.6 g; -
Detachable cable: -; Yes
Connector: -; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of Kefine Klanar vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	Kefine Klanar	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$120	$200
HearWiki score	71 / 100 Good	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2023	2024
Audio
Driver	14.5 mm planar magnetic	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	planar	hybrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	14.5 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	-	4
Impedance	16 Ω	28 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Weight	12.6 g	-
Detachable cable	-	Yes
Connector	-	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

Kefine Klanar

The Kefine Klanar is a budget-friendly planar IEM with a 14.5mm driver, delivering a wide soundstage, robust bass, and clear treble in a lightweight, easy-to-drive design. It offers impressive tonal balance and technical performance for its price, though its vocal presence can feel recessed and it requires careful source pairing to avoid excessive brightness at high volumes.

Pro:Excellent planar bass response
Pro:Wide soundstage with good imaging
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit

Con:Vocals can sound recessed
Con:Average passive isolation
Con:May become harsh at higher volumes

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 Kefine Klanar Kiwi Ears KE4