Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs Kiwi Ears Septet: 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 Septet
80Outstanding
$270
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 Septet
HearWiki score
84
80
Sound
8.6
8.4
Value
8.6
7.9
Price (USD)
$200
$270
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 Septet (2025) against Kiwi Ears KE4 (2024). 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.
- KE42024
- Septet20251 yr newer
Specifications
KE4Septet
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $270
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 80
- Released
- 2024
- 2025
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 1DD + 4BA + 1PL + 1PZT tribrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- 1DD + 4BA + 1PL + 1PZT
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 7
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 15 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 95 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- 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 Septet
The Kiwi Ears Septet is a wired tribrid IEM that leans toward a bright, reference-style sound with strong detail retrieval and a spacious presentation. It pairs excellent treble clarity and a well-controlled bass with a comfortable, well-built shell, but it demands a capable source and provides limited isolation due to its open-back design.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and treble clarity
- Pro:Spacious soundstage with open, airy presentation
- Pro:Controlled bass and natural midrange balance
- Con:Requires a powerful source to perform optimally
- Con:Open-back design offers minimal noise isolation
- Con:Can sound sharp or sibilant on certain tracks
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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