Kiwi Ears Airoso 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

Score 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 Airoso
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

8.2

8.6

Value

8.3

8.6

Price (USD)

$130

$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 Airoso (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.

Airoso20251 yr newer
KE42024

Specifications

AirosoKE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $130; $200
HearWiki score: 79; 84
Released: 2025; 2024
Availability: Sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 1DD + 4BA hybrid; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: hybrid; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 4BA; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 5; 4
Impedance: 18 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: 110 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Weight: 12 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears Airoso vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	Kiwi Ears Airoso	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$130	$200
HearWiki score	79 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2025	2024
Audio
Driver	1DD + 4BA hybrid	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	hybrid	hybrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 4BA	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	5	4
Impedance	18 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	110 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Weight	12 g	-
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

Kiwi Ears Airoso

The Kiwi Ears Airoso is a wired hybrid IEM that pairs a single 10mm dynamic driver with four balanced-armature drivers for a five-driver setup. Built for audiophiles, it offers detailed, versatile sound and a detachable 0.78mm two-pin cable for easy upgrades or replacement. Its light 12-gram build and low 18-ohm impedance make it easy to drive from most sources.

Pro:Five-driver hybrid design for rich detail
Pro:Detachable 0.78mm two-pin cable
Pro:Lightweight at 12 grams for comfort

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Requires a wired source, no Bluetooth
Con:May need a good amplifier for optimal bass control

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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New comparison Kiwi Ears Airoso Kiwi Ears KE4