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Kiwi Ears Airoso vs SORATUNE YI01: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears Airoso comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 79. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Kiwi Ears Airoso - Great overall at around $130.

Score breakdown

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

Kiwi Ears Airoso leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • Kiwi Ears Airoso
  • SORATUNE YI01
HearWiki score
79
69
Sound
8.2
7.4
Value
8.3
-
Price (USD)
$130
$69

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 SORATUNE YI01 (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
  • YI012024

Specifications

AirosoYI01
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$130
$69
HearWiki score
79
69
Released
2025
2024
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
1DD + 4BA hybrid
2DD
Driver type
hybrid
dynamic
Driver configuration
1DD + 4BA
2DD
Driver size
10 mm
-
Drivers per side
5
2
Impedance
18 Ω
9 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
101 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Weight
12 g
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
Connector
2-pin 0.78 mm
2-pin 0.78 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

SORATUNE YI01

The Soratune YI01 is a wired in-ear monitor featuring dual dynamic drivers in CNC-machined aluminum shells, aimed at both audiophiles and gamers. With a low 9-ohm impedance and high sensitivity, it's easy to drive from most sources, while the detachable 2-pin cable adds convenience for customization or replacement.

  • Pro:Dual dynamic drivers for detailed sound
  • Pro:Sturdy CNC aluminum build
  • Pro:Very low impedance, easy to drive
  • Con:No noise cancellation (wired only)
  • Con:Very low impedance may hiss with some sources
  • Con:Not for those preferring balanced tuning

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

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