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Kinera Thorking vs Westone ES60: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Kinera Thorking vs Westone ES60, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Kinera Thorking leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • Kinera Thorking
  • Westone ES60
HearWiki score
81
-
Sound
9.2
-
Value
6.0
-
Price (USD)
$2,500
$1,300

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 Kinera Thorking is 7 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 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Thorking20257 yr newer
  • ES602018

Specifications

ThorkingES60
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$2,500
$1,300
HearWiki score
81
Not scored
Released
2025
2018
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
1DD + 6BA + 4EST tribrid
6× balanced armature
Driver type
tribrid
balanced-armature
Driver configuration
1DD + 6BA + 4EST
-
Drivers per side
11
6
Frequency response
5 Hz - 50 kHz
8 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
10 Ω
46 Ω
Sensitivity
-
118 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
-
No
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Connector
2-pin 0.78 mm
-
Balanced connection
Yes
-

What reviewers said

Kinera Thorking

The Kinera Thorking is a premium tribrid flagship IEM with a treble-forward, reference-style tuning that prioritizes air, detail, and transparency. Its 11-driver setup delivers strong technical performance with excellent separation and imaging, though the lean bass and lower midrange may not appeal to those seeking warmth or heavy impact. Best suited for treble enthusiasts and classical music fans, it pairs well with warmer sources to balance its bright character.

  • Pro:Excellent treble extension and airiness
  • Pro:Strong technicalities with precise imaging and layering
  • Pro:Natural, coherent midrange
  • Con:Lean bass and lower midrange may lack warmth
  • Con:Not for bassheads or those seeking impactful low-end
  • Con:Can sound dry at times

Westone ES60

The Westone ES60 is a premium custom-fit in-ear monitor designed for audiophiles and professionals, packing six balanced armature drivers per side with a three-way crossover for detailed, accurate sound. Its ergonomic flex-canal housing and Dual Bore technology aim to deliver a comfortable, transparent listening experience across a wide frequency range. As a wired, passive IEM, it relies on a detachable cable and high sensitivity for use with various sources.

  • Pro:Custom-fit comfort with flexible canal design
  • Pro:Six balanced armature drivers for detailed audio
  • Pro:Wide frequency response from 8 Hz to 20 kHz
  • Con:No active noise cancellation for isolation
  • Con:High impedance (46 ohms) may require a stronger source
  • Con:Premium price point for a wired-only design

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

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New comparisonKinera ThorkingWestone ES60