Kiwi Ears Aether vs Thieaudio Legacy 2: 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
Thieaudio Legacy 2

HearWiki score

Sound

8.5

7.5

Value

8.0

Price (USD)

$170

$99

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 Kiwi Ears Aether is 4 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 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

Aether20254 yr newer
Legacy 22021

Specifications

AetherLegacy 2

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $170; $99
HearWiki score: 82; 73
Released: 2025; 2021
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 1 planar; hybrid
Driver type: planar; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1 planar; -
Driver size: 15.3 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; -
Impedance: 14 Ω; -
Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears Aether vs Thieaudio Legacy 2
Spec	Kiwi Ears Aether	Thieaudio Legacy 2
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$170	$99
HearWiki score	82 / 100 Great	73 / 100 Good
Released	2025	2021
Audio
Driver	1 planar	hybrid
Driver type	planar	hybrid
Driver configuration	1 planar	-
Driver size	15.3 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	-
Impedance	14 Ω	-
Sensitivity	105 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Detachable cable	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

Thieaudio Legacy 2

The Thieaudio Legacy 2 is a budget-friendly hybrid IEM that delivers a smooth, neutral sound with good balance and a lively, musical character. It stands out for its solid build, comfortable fit, and strong value, making it a compelling choice for listeners seeking accurate vocals and instruments without breaking the bank. While not a technical flagship, it offers dependable performance that exceeds expectations in its price range.

Pro:Excellent value for the price
Pro:Comfortable and well-built design
Pro:Neutral, smooth tuning with good balance

Con:Mids can feel slightly limited
Con:Not a top-tier technical performer
Con:Wired design with no ANC

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

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