Kiwi Ears Astral vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra: 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.

Letshuoer S12 Ultra leads on 2 of 4 measures.

Kiwi Ears Astral
Letshuoer S12 Ultra

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

Value

8.3

8.9

Price (USD)

$300

$170

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

Both shipped in 2025. 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.

Astral2025
S12 Ultra2025

Specifications

AstralS12 Ultra

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $300; $170
HearWiki score: 81; 80
Released: 2025; 2025
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 1DD + 6BA hybrid; 1 planar magnetic
Driver type: hybrid; planar
Driver configuration: 1DD + 6BA; 1 planar magnetic
Driver size: 10 mm; 14.8 mm
Drivers per side: 7; 1
Impedance: 23 Ω; 16 Ω
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Water resistance: IPX4; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears Astral vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra
Spec	Kiwi Ears Astral	Letshuoer S12 Ultra
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$300	$170
HearWiki score	81 / 100 Great	80 / 100 Great
Released	2025	2025
Audio
Driver	1DD + 6BA hybrid	1 planar magnetic
Driver type	hybrid	planar
Driver configuration	1DD + 6BA	1 planar magnetic
Driver size	10 mm	14.8 mm
Drivers per side	7	1
Impedance	23 Ω	16 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Water resistance	IPX4	-
Detachable cable	Yes	-

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

Letshuoer S12 Ultra

The Letshuoer S12 Ultra is a wired in-ear monitor built around a single 14.8mm planar magnetic driver housed in a lightweight aluminum shell. It delivers the signature planar sound of the S12 line—fast, detailed, and punchy—in a refreshed design aimed at hi-fi enthusiasts. With a low 16-ohm impedance, it pairs easily with most sources, though it lacks any active noise cancellation.

Pro:Fast, detailed planar sound with strong dynamics
Pro:Lightweight and sturdy aluminum-alloy build
Pro:Easy to drive thanks to low impedance

Con:No noise cancellation or isolation features
Con:Planar timbre may not suit all listeners
Con:Cable and accessories are basic for the price

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

Compare something else

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New comparison Kiwi Ears Astral Letshuoer S12 Ultra