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Kiwi Ears Astral vs TRI I3 Pro: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Kiwi Ears Astral vs TRI I3 Pro, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

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
  • TRI I3 Pro
HearWiki score
82
-
Sound
8.6
-
Value
8.3
-
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
  • I3 Pro2021

Specifications

AstralI3 Pro
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$300
$170
HearWiki score
82
Not scored
Released
2025
2021
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
1DD + 6BA hybrid
1DD + 1BA + 1PL tribrid
Driver type
hybrid
tribrid
Driver configuration
1DD + 6BA
1DD + 1BA + 1PL
Driver size
10 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
7
3
Impedance
23 Ω
15 Ω
Active noise cancelling
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

TRI I3 Pro

This wired in-ear monitor pairs a planar magnetic driver with a dynamic and a balanced-armature unit in a triple-driver hybrid setup, aiming to refine the sound of its predecessor. It's a budget-friendly hi-fi option for those seeking a detailed and versatile tuning without wireless features or noise blocking.

  • Pro:Layered and detailed sound from the hybrid driver array
  • Pro:Good value for a tribrid configuration at this price
  • Pro:Comfortable fit with standard 0.78mm two-pin cables
  • Con:Lacks noise cancellation and wireless convenience
  • Con:Requires a decent source to drive the 15-ohm impedance well
  • Con:Stock cable may not be to everyone's liking

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 AstralTRI I3 Pro