Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears Aether
80Outstanding
$170
Full review dataKiwi Ears Aether 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
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataScore 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.
- Kiwi Ears Aether
- Kiwi Ears KE4
HearWiki score
80
84
Sound
8.2
8.6
Value
8.4
8.6
Price (USD)
$170
$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 Aether (2025) against Kiwi Ears KE4 (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.
- Aether20251 yr newer
- KE42024
Specifications
AetherKE4
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $170
- $200
- HearWiki score
- 80
- 84
- Released
- 2025
- 2024
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 1 planar
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- Driver type
- planar
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 1 planar
- 2DD + 2BA
- Driver size
- 15.3 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 4
- Impedance
- 14 Ω
- 28 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 105 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- 3.5 mm
What reviewers said
Kiwi Ears Aether
The Kiwi Ears Aether is a single-planar wired IEM that delivers a smooth, mature sound with impressive bass impact and refined treble for its price. Its sturdy build, comfortable fit, and precise imaging make it a compelling choice, though the large shells may not suit smaller ears and the stock cable leaves room for improvement.
- Pro:Strong bass impact for a planar
- Pro:Smooth, mature tuning with refined treble
- Pro:Precise imaging and good staging
- Con:Large shell size may fit poorly for smaller ears
- Con:Stock cable is a weak point
- Con:Lower mids can sound recessed
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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