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Kiwi Ears Astral vs Ziigaat Horizon: which should you buy?

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

Our pick: Ziigaat Horizon - Great overall at around $329.

Score breakdown

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

Ziigaat Horizon leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • Kiwi Ears Astral
  • Ziigaat Horizon
HearWiki score
77
83
Sound
8.0
8.6
Value
7.5
8.2
Price (USD)
$300
$330

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
  • Horizon2025

Specifications

AstralHorizon
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$300
$330
HearWiki score
77
83
Released
2025
2025
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
1DD + 6BA hybrid
1DD + 2BA + 2PL tribrid
Driver type
hybrid
tribrid
Driver configuration
1DD + 6BA
1DD + 2BA + 2PL
Driver size
10 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
7
5
Impedance
23 Ω
24 Ω
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Water resistance
IPX4
-
Detachable cable
Yes
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

Ziigaat Horizon

The Ziigaat Horizon is a wired tribrid IEM that delivers impressive technical performance for its price, featuring a spacious, holographic soundstage and strong detail retrieval. Its W-shaped tuning balances clarity and engagement, though its energetic treble and lighter bass impact may not suit everyone. While the sound quality is a standout, the build and accessories feel less premium than the audio performance.

  • Pro:Excellent technical ability and detail retrieval
  • Pro:Large, holographic soundstage with strong imaging
  • Pro:Well-executed W-shaped tuning that balances fun and precision
  • Con:Treble can become fatiguing or slightly sibilant for sensitive listeners
  • Con:Mid-bass punch is limited, with bass more technical than physical
  • Con:Build quality feels somewhat cheap 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

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

New comparisonKiwi Ears AstralZiigaat Horizon