Kiwi Ears Astral vs Kiwi Ears KE4: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears Astral 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 Astral - Great overall at around $299.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

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

Kiwi Ears KE4 leads on 2 of 4 measures.

Kiwi Ears Astral
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

Value

8.3

8.6

Price (USD)

$300

$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 Astral (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.

Astral20251 yr newer
KE42024

Specifications

AstralKE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $300; $200
HearWiki score: 81; 81
Released: 2025; 2024
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 1DD + 6BA hybrid; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: hybrid; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 6BA; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 7; 4
Impedance: 23 Ω; 28 Ω
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Water resistance: IPX4; -
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
Connector: -; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears Astral vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	Kiwi Ears Astral	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$300	$200
HearWiki score	81 / 100 Great	81 / 100 Great
Released	2025	2024
Audio
Driver	1DD + 6BA hybrid	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	hybrid	hybrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 6BA	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	7	4
Impedance	23 Ω	28 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Water resistance	IPX4	-
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
Connector	-	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

Kiwi Ears Astral

The Kiwi Ears Astral is a hybrid wired IEM that blends a dynamic driver with six balanced armatures, delivering a bass-forward yet detailed sound with smooth highs and a natural midrange. While it offers strong clarity, good instrument separation, and a comfortable fit for many, its large shells may cause fatigue over long sessions, and the mid-bass and lower midrange could feel leaner than some listeners prefer. Overall, it's a well-rounded performer in the $300 range, though not perfectly neutral due to its elevated low end and relaxed treble.

Pro:Deep, impactful sub-bass with good control
Pro:Clear and detailed treble without harshness
Pro:Natural midrange with good instrument separation

Con:Large shells may reduce comfort during extended listening
Con:Limited included eartip selection
Con:Mid-bass punch and lower midrange can seem thin

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 Astral Kiwi Ears KE4