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Kiwi Ears Astral vs SeeAudio Yume: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears Astral comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Kiwi Ears Astral - Outstanding overall at around $299.

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
  • SeeAudio Yume
HearWiki score
82
60
Sound
8.6
7.3
Value
8.3
5.8
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

The Kiwi Ears Astral is 4 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. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Astral20254 yr newer
  • Yume2021

Specifications

AstralYume
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$300
$170
HearWiki score
82
60
Released
2025
2021
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
1DD + 6BA hybrid
1DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type
hybrid
hybrid
Driver configuration
1DD + 6BA
1DD + 2BA
Driver size
10 mm
-
Drivers per side
7
3
Impedance
23 Ω
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
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

SeeAudio Yume

The SeeAudio Yume is a wired hybrid IEM with a single dynamic driver and two balanced armatures, tuned to the Harman curve by acoustic engineers. Its standout feature is its refined, natural tonality that excels with vocals and overall balance, making it a strong choice for listeners who prioritize tuning over raw technicalities. However, its resolution, imaging, and soundstage are only average, with a slightly weak sub-bass extension, so it won't impress those seeking maximum detail retrieval.

  • Pro:Excellent, natural tonality with balanced tuning
  • Pro:Clear and engaging midrange, especially for vocals
  • Pro:Comfortable fit with good timbre
  • Con:Average resolution and detail retrieval
  • Con:Limited soundstage and vague imaging
  • Con:Sub-bass extension is somewhat weak

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 AstralSeeAudio Yume