Kiwi Ears Astral vs Kiwi Ears Quintet: 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 Astral leads on 3 of 4 measures.

Kiwi Ears Astral
Kiwi Ears Quintet

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

8.0

Value

8.3

6.7

Price (USD)

$300

$220

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 Astral is 2 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.

Astral20252 yr newer
Quintet2023

Specifications

AstralQuintet

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $300; $220
HearWiki score: 81; 70
Released: 2025; 2023
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 1DD + 6BA hybrid; hybrid
Driver type: hybrid; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 6BA; -
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 7; -
Impedance: 23 Ω; 32 Ω
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Weight: -; 8 g
Water resistance: IPX4; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: -; 2-pin 0.78 mm

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears Astral vs Kiwi Ears Quintet
Spec	Kiwi Ears Astral	Kiwi Ears Quintet
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$300	$220
HearWiki score	81 / 100 Great	70 / 100 Good
Released	2025	2023
Audio
Driver	1DD + 6BA hybrid	hybrid
Driver type	hybrid	hybrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 6BA	-
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	7	-
Impedance	23 Ω	32 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Weight	-	8 g
Water resistance	IPX4	-
Detachable cable	Yes	-
Connector	-	2-pin 0.78 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 Quintet

The Kiwi Ears Quintet is a five-driver hybrid in-ear monitor that blends multiple driver types for a technically ambitious and lively sound. It offers solid detail, good extension, and a versatile tuning that stands out in its price range, though it leans more toward clarity and energy than warmth or bass emphasis. With a lightweight build and competitive feature set, it appeals to listeners seeking an engaging, capable listen with an unusual driver configuration.

Pro:Uncommon five-driver hybrid design
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
Pro:Detailed and extended treble

Con:Not for bass-heavy or warm sound signatures
Con:Requires a capable source to shine
Con:May sound bright to sensitive ears

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

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