Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$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 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 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
84
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
- 84
- 68
- Released
- 2024
- 2025
- Availability
- Still sold new
- 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 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 Étude
The Kiwi Ears Étude is an affordable hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with three balanced armatures for a lively, bass-forward sound. It delivers energetic, warm tones with smooth highs and clear vocals, though its unique low-end character can be polarizing and demanding on source gear. A fun, distinctive listen for those seeking a colorful tuning rather than strict neutrality.
- Pro:Lively, energetic tuning with full-bodied bass
- Pro:Clear vocal reproduction and airy soundstage
- Pro:Smooth highs with clean note decay
- Con:Bass-forward character may not suit all listeners
- Con:Can introduce resonance or control issues at times
- Con:Requires a capable source to perform optimally
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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