
Kiwi Ears Astral vs Xenns Mangird Top: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Kiwi Ears Astral vs Xenns Mangird Top, 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 4 of 4 measures.
- Kiwi Ears Astral
- Xenns Mangird Top
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?
The Kiwi Ears Astral is 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Astral20253 yr newer
- Mangird Top2022
Specifications
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $300
- $530
- HearWiki score
- 82
- Not scored
- Released
- 2025
- 2022
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 6BA hybrid
- -
- Driver type
- hybrid
- -
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 6BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 7
- -
- Impedance
- 23 Ω
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- 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
Xenns Mangird Top
The Xenns Mangird Top is a wired, hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a 10 mm beryllium-coated dynamic driver with eight balanced-armature drivers for a detailed, audiophile-focused sound. It delivers a rich, layered presentation suited for critical listening, though it lacks any active noise cancellation. Priced around $530, it targets enthusiasts seeking a balanced yet engaging tuning.
- Pro:Excellent driver configuration with rich detail retrieval
- Pro:Warm, natural midrange with good vocal presence
- Pro:Solid build quality and comfortable fit for long sessions
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so isolation relies on tips
- Con:May require a good source or amplifier to shine
- Con:Price point may be steep for casual listeners
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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