Kiwi Ears Aether vs Meze Audio Alba: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears Aether comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Kiwi Ears Aether - Great overall at around $170.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

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

Kiwi Ears Aether leads on 2 of 4 measures.

Kiwi Ears Aether
Meze Audio Alba

HearWiki score

Sound

8.5

7.5

Value

8.0

Price (USD)

$170

$160

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 Meze Audio Alba (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
Alba2024

Specifications

AetherAlba

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $170; $160
HearWiki score: 82; 72
Released: 2025; 2024
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 1 planar; 1DD
Driver type: planar; dynamic
Driver configuration: 1 planar; 1DD
Driver size: 15.3 mm; 10.8 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Impedance: 14 Ω; 32 Ω
Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW; 109 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Weight: -; 14 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears Aether vs Meze Audio Alba
Spec	Kiwi Ears Aether	Meze Audio Alba
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$170	$160
HearWiki score	82 / 100 Great	72 / 100 Good
Released	2025	2024
Audio
Driver	1 planar	1DD
Driver type	planar	dynamic
Driver configuration	1 planar	1DD
Driver size	15.3 mm	10.8 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Impedance	14 Ω	32 Ω
Sensitivity	105 dB/mW	109 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Weight	-	14 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	2-pin 0.78 mm

What reviewers said

Kiwi Ears Aether

The Kiwi Ears Aether is a single 15.3mm planar driver IEM that delivers a punchy, well-extended bass response and a smooth, non-fatiguing treble, all wrapped in a premium, comfortable shell. Its tuning leans toward a fun yet mature presentation with precise imaging and a wide soundstage, making it a strong contender in the sub-$200 planar market. While its large housing and stock cable pose minor drawbacks, the overall sonic performance and build quality offer excellent value for wired audio enthusiasts.

Pro:Strong, impactful bass with good depth
Pro:Smooth and refined treble without harshness
Pro:Excellent imaging and spacious soundstage

Con:Recessed lower mids may lack warmth for some
Con:Large shell size can be problematic for smaller ears
Con:Stock cable feels below par for the price

Meze Audio Alba

The Meze Audio Alba is a lightweight, wired single-dynamic-driver IEM that delivers a mildly V-shaped, engaging sound with solid build quality and strong comfort. It performs well as an entry-level option around its price point, offering coherent tonality and good value, though its treble can be slightly intense and the stock cable may frustrate some users. Overall, it's a capable, well-rounded choice for those seeking a natural yet lively listen without extra features like noise cancellation.

Pro:Comfortable and featherlight design
Pro:Coherent, engaging sound signature
Pro:Good build quality for the price

Con:Treble can run a bit hot for sensitive listeners
Con:Included cable is awkward to handle
Con:Stock ear tips may not suit everyone

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 Kiwi Ears Aether Meze Audio Alba