Kiwi Ears Aether vs NiceHCK F1 Pro: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Kiwi Ears Aether vs NiceHCK F1 Pro, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

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

Kiwi Ears Aether leads on 3 of 4 measures.

Kiwi Ears Aether
NiceHCK F1 Pro

HearWiki score

Sound

8.5

Value

8.0

Price (USD)

$170

$100

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 NiceHCK F1 Pro (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
F1 Pro2024

Specifications

AetherF1 Pro

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $170; $100
HearWiki score: 82; Not scored
Released: 2025; 2024
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 1 planar; 14.2 mm driver
Driver type: planar; -
Driver configuration: 1 planar; -
Driver size: 15.3 mm; 14.2 mm
Drivers per side: 1; -
Impedance: 14 Ω; 16 Ω
Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears Aether vs NiceHCK F1 Pro
Spec	Kiwi Ears Aether	NiceHCK F1 Pro
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$170	$100
HearWiki score	82 / 100 Great	Not scored
Released	2025	2024
Audio
Driver	1 planar	14.2 mm driver
Driver type	planar	-
Driver configuration	1 planar	-
Driver size	15.3 mm	14.2 mm
Drivers per side	1	-
Impedance	14 Ω	16 Ω
Sensitivity	105 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
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

NiceHCK F1 Pro

This wired IEM pairs a 14.2 mm planar driver with a lightweight aluminum shell and a detachable 2-pin cable, aiming for a versatile sound that suits many music styles. Its low 16-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive from most sources, though it lacks active noise cancellation. Overall, it's a straightforward, all-rounder option for those seeking a planar tuning at a budget-friendly price.

Pro:Lightweight aluminum build
Pro:Detachable 2-pin cable for easy replacement
Pro:Low impedance for easy driving

Con:No noise isolation features
Con:May need a good source for best performance
Con:Shell could be prone to scratches

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

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