Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs Kiwi Ears Quintet: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears KE4 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. 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 Quintet
76Great
$220
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Kiwi Ears KE4 leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- Kiwi Ears KE4
- Kiwi Ears Quintet
HearWiki score
84
76
Sound
8.6
8.0
Value
8.6
6.7
Price (USD)
$200
$220
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 Quintet (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
- Quintet2023
Specifications
KE4Quintet
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $220
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 76
- Released
- 2024
- 2023
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- -
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Weight
- -
- 8 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 wired hybrid IEM that offers a balanced, relaxing sound with a distinct twist on the popular 'New Meta' tuning, adding extra bass and treble sparkle. It delivers solid midrange clarity and a comfortable fit, making it a versatile choice for many genres, though its smooth presentation may not excite those seeking aggressive or highly dynamic sound.
- Pro:Well-balanced hybrid tuning with rich lower mids and airy treble
- Pro:Comfortable fit and broad genre versatility
- Pro:Good resolution and clarity for its price
- Con:Sub-bass can get overpowering at times
- Con:Limited resolving power and dynamic impact
- Con:Smooth tuning may feel less exciting than V-shaped alternatives
Kiwi Ears Quintet
The Kiwi Ears Quintet is a lightweight, wired hybrid in-ear monitor that packs five drivers into a compact 10mm shell for a lively, technically capable sound. It offers a distinctive driver blend and versatile tuning that prioritizes detail and extension over a warm or bass-heavy signature, making it a solid value for those seeking performance-driven audio at its price point.
- Pro:Uncommon five-driver hybrid setup
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable 8g build
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and treble extension
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:May lack warmth for bass lovers
- Con:Requires a quality source for best results
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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