Kiwi Ears Halcyon 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.

Wired IEMs

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 Halcyon
Ziigaat Horizon

HearWiki score

Sound

8.0

8.6

Value

7.5

8.2

Price (USD)

$260

$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

Kiwi Ears Halcyon (2026) against Ziigaat Horizon (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.

Halcyon20261 yr newer
Horizon2025

Specifications

HalcyonHorizon

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $260; $330
HearWiki score: 77; 83
Released: 2026; 2025
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 1DD + 3BA tribrid; 1DD + 2BA + 2PL tribrid
Driver type: tribrid; tribrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 3BA; 1DD + 2BA + 2PL
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 4; 5
Impedance: 29 Ω; 24 Ω
Sensitivity: 109 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Weight: 6 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears Halcyon vs Ziigaat Horizon
Spec	Kiwi Ears Halcyon	Ziigaat Horizon
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$260	$330
HearWiki score	77 / 100 Great	83 / 100 Great
Released	2026	2025
Audio
Driver	1DD + 3BA tribrid	1DD + 2BA + 2PL tribrid
Driver type	tribrid	tribrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 3BA	1DD + 2BA + 2PL
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	4	5
Impedance	29 Ω	24 Ω
Sensitivity	109 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Weight	6 g	-
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	2-pin 0.78 mm

What reviewers said

Kiwi Ears Halcyon

The Kiwi Ears Halcyon is a wired tribrid IEM that blends a dynamic driver with three balanced armatures for a detailed, bass-forward sound signature. It offers a polished top end and solid technical layering, though its relaxed mids and light lower-mid body may not suit vocal purists. Overall, it's a well-built, distinctive choice for those seeking a familiar yet slightly warmer tuning in this price bracket.

Pro:Strong sub-bass extension with good control
Pro:Clean, well-layered soundstage
Pro:Polished, extended treble without harshness

Con:Midrange presence could be more forward
Con:Bass body feels slightly lean for some listeners
Con:Tuning is familiar rather than groundbreaking

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.

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New comparison Kiwi Ears Halcyon Ziigaat Horizon