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Kiwi Ears Astral vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Letshuoer S12 Ultra comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Letshuoer S12 Ultra - Outstanding overall at around $169.

Score breakdown

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

Letshuoer S12 Ultra leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • Kiwi Ears Astral
  • Letshuoer S12 Ultra
HearWiki score
82
83
Sound
8.6
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
82
83
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
-

What reviewers said

Kiwi Ears Astral

The Kiwi Ears Astral is a wired hybrid IEM that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with six balanced armatures to deliver a rich, bass-forward sound with clear, extended treble. It offers strong resolution and instrument separation, making it a solid value in the $300 price range, though its large shells and elevated bass mean it isn't a purely neutral or universally comfortable option.

  • Pro:Deep, impactful sub-bass with controlled punch
  • Pro:Clear and detailed treble that avoids fatigue
  • Pro:Strong instrument separation and overall resolution
  • Con:Large shells may cause discomfort during long sessions
  • Con:Mid-bass punch is somewhat reduced, and lower mids can sound thin
  • Con:Limited included eartip selection

Letshuoer S12 Ultra

The Letshuoer S12 Ultra is a wired in-ear monitor that delivers Hi-Fi sound through a single 14.8mm planar magnetic driver housed in a lightweight aluminum-alloy shell. Aimed at music enthusiasts, it offers the signature planar-driver clarity and detail of the S12 series in a refreshed design, without any active noise cancellation or wireless features. Priced around $169, it's a straightforward, high-performance option for wired listening.

  • Pro:Detailed and fast planar magnetic sound
  • Pro:Lightweight and durable aluminum-alloy build
  • Pro:Accurate bass response with low distortion
  • Con:Requires a wired connection, no wireless freedom
  • Con:No active noise cancellation for noisy environments
  • Con:Open-back style may leak sound in quiet settings

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonKiwi Ears AstralLetshuoer S12 Ultra