Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
81Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs Kiwi Ears Quartet: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears KE4 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Kiwi Ears KE4 - Outstanding overall at around $199.
Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears Quartet
63Good
$110
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Kiwi Ears KE4 leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- Kiwi Ears KE4
- Kiwi Ears Quartet
HearWiki score
81
63
Sound
8.6
6.9
Value
8.6
7.4
Price (USD)
$200
$110
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 KE4 (2024) against Kiwi Ears Quartet (2023). 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.
- KE420241 yr newer
- Quartet2023
Specifications
KE4Quartet
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $110
- HearWiki score
- 81
- 63
- Released
- 2024
- 2023
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- 2DD + 2BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 4
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 110 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Weight
- -
- 4 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
What reviewers said
Kiwi Ears KE4
The Kiwi Ears KE4 is a hybrid IEM that delivers a balanced, smooth sound signature with a touch of added bass and treble sparkle, making it a versatile choice for many genres. It offers solid clarity and a comfortable fit, though its tuning leans relaxed rather than aggressive, and it lacks the ultimate resolving power of pricier models. Overall, it's a polished performer around the $200 mark that suits listeners who prefer a neutral yet slightly warm presentation.
- Pro:Well-balanced tuning with a relaxing character
- Pro:Rich lower mids and airy treble
- Pro:Comfortable fit for long sessions
- Con:Sub-bass can feel a bit overpowering at times
- Con:Limited dynamics and resolving power compared to top-tier IEMs
- Con:Accessories are minimal
Kiwi Ears Quartet
The Kiwi Ears Quartet is a budget-friendly hybrid IEM that pairs two dynamic drivers with two balanced armatures for a lively, well-rounded sound. It offers solid build quality and a competitive feature set for the price, with a tuning that leans engaging rather than neutral. While not a one-size-fits-all choice, it delivers strong technical performance and good value for those seeking a versatile, configurable earphone.
- Pro:Engaging and balanced hybrid tuning
- Pro:Good build quality with detachable 2-pin cable
- Pro:Strong technical performance for the price
- Con:Tuning may not suit all listeners
- Con:No noise cancellation or wireless options
- Con:Requires a good source to shine fully
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.