Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs Meze Rai Solo: 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
Meze Rai Solo
52Average
$250
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
- Meze Rai Solo
HearWiki score
84
52
Sound
8.6
6.4
Value
8.6
4.7
Price (USD)
$200
$250
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 4 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. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- KE420244 yr newer
- Rai Solo2020
Specifications
KE4Rai Solo
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $250
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 52
- Released
- 2024
- 2020
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 9.2 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 9.2 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 18 Hz - 22 kHz
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 105 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Controls
- -
- none
- Weight
- -
- 20 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- MMCX
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
Meze Rai Solo
The Meze Rai Solo is a wired, single 9.2mm dynamic driver IEM with a neutral, midrange-focused tuning that prioritizes clarity and imaging over bass impact. Its low 16-ohm impedance and high 105 dB sensitivity make it very easy to drive from any source, while the MMCX detachable cable and lightweight build add to its practical, premium feel. Sound quality is technically solid for the price, though bass performance can vary significantly depending on achieving a proper seal.
- Pro:Easy to drive with low impedance and high sensitivity
- Pro:Clear, detailed midrange with strong imaging
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
- Con:Bass response is heavily dependent on getting a perfect seal
- Con:Included ear tip selection is limited
- Con:No inline controls or microphone on the cable
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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