Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs KZ ZAR: 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
KZ ZAR
70Good
$100
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
- KZ ZAR
HearWiki score
84
70
Sound
8.6
7.3
Value
8.6
5.1
Price (USD)
$200
$100
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
The Kiwi Ears KE4 is 2 years newer, but it is 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.
- KE420242 yr newer
- ZAR2022
Specifications
KE4ZAR
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $100
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 70
- Released
- 2024
- 2022
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 1DD + 7BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- 1DD + 7BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 8
- Frequency response
- -
- 20 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 16.5 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 109 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- ANC type
- -
- none
- Transparency mode
- -
- No
- Companion app
- -
- No
- Custom EQ
- -
- No
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- buttons
- Voice assistant
- -
- No
- Water resistance
- -
- none
- Foldable
- -
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 3.5 mm
- Call noise reduction
- -
- No
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
KZ ZAR
The KZ ZAR is an ambitious eight-driver hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with seven balanced armatures for a lively, U-shaped sound. It delivers punchy bass, clear mids, and detailed treble with strong technical performance for its price, all in a comfortable, well-built shell with a quality stock cable. Wired-only and app-free, it is a straightforward choice for listeners who want energetic tuning without extra features.
- Pro:Powerful, deep bass with good control
- Pro:Detailed and clear treble response
- Pro:Comfortable fit with solid passive isolation
- Con:V-shaped tuning not for purists seeking neutrality
- Con:No detachable or balanced cable option
- Con:Lacks any wireless or app-based features
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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