Kiwi Ears Aether vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Letshuoer S12 Ultra comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Letshuoer S12 Ultra - Outstanding overall at around $169.

Wired IEMs

Kiwi Ears Aether

80Outstanding

$170

Full review data

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

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

Letshuoer S12 Ultra leads on 4 of 4 measures.

Kiwi Ears Aether
Letshuoer S12 Ultra

HearWiki score

Sound

8.2

8.6

Value

8.4

8.9

Price (USD)

$170

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 2025. 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.

Aether2025
S12 Ultra2025

Specifications

AetherS12 Ultra

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $170; $170
HearWiki score: 80; 83
Released: 2025; 2025
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 1 planar; 1 planar magnetic
Driver type: planar; planar
Driver configuration: 1 planar; 1 planar magnetic
Driver size: 15.3 mm; 14.8 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Impedance: 14 Ω; 16 Ω
Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; -

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears Aether vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra
Spec	Kiwi Ears Aether	Letshuoer S12 Ultra
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$170	$170
HearWiki score	80 / 100 Outstanding	83 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2025	2025
Audio
Driver	1 planar	1 planar magnetic
Driver type	planar	planar
Driver configuration	1 planar	1 planar magnetic
Driver size	15.3 mm	14.8 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Impedance	14 Ω	16 Ω
Sensitivity	105 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Detachable cable	Yes	-
Connector	2-pin 0.78 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

Letshuoer S12 Ultra

The Letshuoer S12 Ultra is a wired in-ear monitor that delivers Hi-Fi sound through a single 14.8mm planar magnetic driver housed in a lightweight aluminum-alloy shell. Aimed at music enthusiasts, it offers the signature planar-driver clarity and detail of the S12 series in a refreshed design, without any active noise cancellation or wireless features. Priced around $169, it's a straightforward, high-performance option for wired listening.

Pro:Detailed and fast planar magnetic sound
Pro:Lightweight and durable aluminum-alloy build
Pro:Accurate bass response with low distortion

Con:Requires a wired connection, no wireless freedom
Con:No active noise cancellation for noisy environments
Con:Open-back style may leak sound in quiet settings

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 Kiwi Ears Aether Letshuoer S12 Ultra