Kiwi Ears KE4 vs Kiwi Ears Stardust: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Kiwi Ears KE4 vs Kiwi Ears Stardust, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Wired IEMs

Kiwi Ears KE4

84Outstanding

$200

Full review data

Wired IEMs

Score 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 Stardust

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

Value

8.6

Price (USD)

$200

$130

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 Stardust (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
Stardust20251 yr newer

Specifications

KE4Stardust

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $200; $130
HearWiki score: 84; Not scored
Released: 2024; 2025
Availability: Still sold new; Sold new
Driver: 2DD + 2BA hybrid; 1DD + 4BA hybrid
Driver type: hybrid; hybrid
Driver configuration: 2DD + 2BA; 1DD + 4BA
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 4; 5
Frequency response: -; 20 Hz - 40 kHz
Sound signature: -; neutral-warm
Impedance: 28 Ω; 13 Ω
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
Connector: 3.5 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears KE4 vs Kiwi Ears Stardust
Spec	Kiwi Ears KE4	Kiwi Ears Stardust
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$200	$130
HearWiki score	84 / 100 Outstanding	Not scored
Released	2024	2025
Audio
Driver	2DD + 2BA hybrid	1DD + 4BA hybrid
Driver type	hybrid	hybrid
Driver configuration	2DD + 2BA	1DD + 4BA
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	4	5
Frequency response	-	20 Hz - 40 kHz
Sound signature	-	neutral-warm
Impedance	28 Ω	13 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Detachable cable	Yes	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 Stardust

The Kiwi Ears Stardust is a wired hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a single 10mm dynamic driver with four balanced armature drivers for a detailed, immersive sound. With a neutral-warm tuning and a low 13-ohm impedance, it's easy to drive from most sources, making it a versatile choice for critical listening. Its detachable 2-pin cable adds convenience and upgrade potential.

Pro:Detailed hybrid driver configuration
Pro:Neutral-warm sound signature
Pro:Low impedance for easy driving

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Requires a wired source
Con:May need amplification for optimal performance

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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