Kiwi Ears Cadenza II vs QKZ x HBB: 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.

Wired IEMs

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
QKZ x HBB

HearWiki score

Sound

7.8

7.5

Value

8.2

8.5

Price (USD)

$50

$26

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 Cadenza II 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.

Cadenza II20264 yr newer
x HBB2022

Specifications

Cadenza IIx HBB

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $50; $26
HearWiki score: 79; 78
Released: 2026; 2022
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 1DD; 10 mm driver
Driver type: dynamic; -
Driver configuration: 1DD; -
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; -
Impedance: 18 Ω; 22 Ω
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears Cadenza II vs QKZ x HBB
Spec	Kiwi Ears Cadenza II	QKZ x HBB
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$50	$26
HearWiki score	79 / 100 Great	78 / 100 Great
Released	2026	2022
Audio
Driver	1DD	10 mm driver
Driver type	dynamic	-
Driver configuration	1DD	-
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	-
Impedance	18 Ω	22 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
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

QKZ x HBB

The QKZ x HBB is an affordable, bass-leaning wired IEM that offers a lively, engaging sound with a warm, musical character. It delivers punchy lows, smooth highs, and a comfortable tuning that avoids listener fatigue, making it a strong value pick for budget-conscious buyers. While it lacks extreme detail and some midrange clarity, its enjoyable signature and solid build make it a standout at its price point.

Pro:Punchy, well-defined bass
Pro:Smooth, non-fatiguing treble
Pro:Excellent value for the price

Con:Midrange can sound slightly recessed
Con:Limited fine detail and refinement
Con:Not ideal for critical listening

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 comparison Kiwi Ears Cadenza II QKZ x HBB