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Kiwi Ears Cadenza II vs NICEHCK TEARS: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears Cadenza II comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 79. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Kiwi Ears Cadenza II - Great overall at around $50.

Score breakdown

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

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

  • Kiwi Ears Cadenza II
  • NICEHCK TEARS
HearWiki score
79
78
Sound
7.8
7.5
Value
8.2
8.5
Price (USD)
$50
$29

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

Kiwi Ears Cadenza II (2026) against NICEHCK TEARS (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.

  • Cadenza II20261 yr newer
  • TEARS2025

Specifications

Cadenza IITEARS
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$50
$29
HearWiki score
79
78
Released
2026
2025
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
1DD
dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver configuration
1DD
-
Driver size
10 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
1
Impedance
18 Ω
20 Ω
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Detachable cable
Yes
-
Connector
2-pin 0.78 mm
2-pin 0.78 mm

What reviewers said

Kiwi Ears Cadenza II

The Kiwi Ears Cadenza II is a budget-friendly single-dynamic-driver wired IEM that delivers a smooth, natural sound with good imaging and solid build quality. It's an easy recommendation for beginners or those wanting a non-fatiguing, enjoyable tuning, though it performs best with a more capable source and its bass may feel a bit reserved for some listeners.

  • Pro:Attractive styling and solid build quality
  • Pro:Smooth, non-fatiguing tuning with natural mids
  • Pro:Good imaging and overall clarity for the price
  • Con:Bass may feel restrained for bass-heavy listeners
  • Con:Beneficial to pair with a more powerful source
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless options

NICEHCK TEARS

The NICEHCK TEARS is a budget-friendly dynamic driver IEM that delivers surprisingly mature sound for its price, combining deep, controlled bass with clear treble and impressive soundstage depth. Its balanced, mildly V-shaped tuning works well across genres, though the plastic build and sparse accessories keep it from feeling premium.

  • Pro:Deep, controlled bass response
  • Pro:Good soundstage and instrument separation
  • Pro:Smooth, natural tuning for the price
  • Con:Plastic build feels less durable
  • Con:Upper mids can be sharp on some tracks
  • Con:Accessory set is minimal

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 Cadenza IINICEHCK TEARS