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 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Kiwi Ears KE4 - Great 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: 77; 81
Released: 2025; 2024
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
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	77 / 100 Great	81 / 100 Great
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

This hybrid in-ear monitor pairs a single 10mm dynamic driver with four balanced-armature drivers to deliver a detailed and versatile sound signature. It is a wired, lightweight option with a detachable 0.78mm two-pin cable, suited for listeners who prioritize clarity and customization over wireless convenience or noise blocking. With a low 18-ohm impedance and high 110dB sensitivity, it is easy to drive from most portable sources.

Pro:Detailed hybrid tuning with good separation
Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
Pro:Detachable standard 0.78mm cable for easy upgrades

Con:No noise cancellation or isolation from ambient sound
Con:Wired only, no Bluetooth option
Con:Five-driver setup may require a good source to shine fully

Kiwi Ears KE4

The Kiwi Ears KE4 is a hybrid IEM that delivers a balanced, smooth sound signature with a touch of added bass and treble sparkle, making it a versatile choice for many genres. It offers solid clarity and a comfortable fit, though its tuning leans relaxed rather than aggressive, and it lacks the ultimate resolving power of pricier models. Overall, it's a polished performer around the $200 mark that suits listeners who prefer a neutral yet slightly warm presentation.

Pro:Well-balanced tuning with a relaxing character
Pro:Rich lower mids and airy treble
Pro:Comfortable fit for long sessions

Con:Sub-bass can feel a bit overpowering at times
Con:Limited dynamics and resolving power compared to top-tier IEMs
Con:Accessories are minimal

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