Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
81Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs Kiwi Ears Étude: 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 Étude
68Good
$120
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 Étude
HearWiki score
81
68
Sound
8.6
7.1
Value
8.6
7.0
Price (USD)
$200
$120
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 Étude (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
- Étude20251 yr newer
Specifications
KE4Étude
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $120
- HearWiki score
- 81
- 68
- Released
- 2024
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 1DD + 3BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- 1DD + 3BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 4
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 5 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 104 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- 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 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 Étude
The Kiwi Ears Étude is an entry-level hybrid IEM that blends a dynamic driver with three balanced armatures to deliver a lively, bass-forward sound with smooth highs and clear vocals. Its distinctive low-end character gives it a fun, energetic presentation, though this unique tuning may not suit purists. While technically capable and spacious-sounding, it demands a decent source and shows some resonance quirks, making it more of an enjoyable experiment than a strictly neutral monitor.
- Pro:Vocal clarity and airy treble
- Pro:Full-bodied, energetic bass response
- Pro:Good soundstage and clean note decay
- Con:Bass-forward tuning may not suit all listeners
- Con:Needs a capable source to perform at its best
- Con:Low-end effect can introduce resonance or control issues
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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