Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs Moondrop Aria: 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
Moondrop Aria
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
- Moondrop Aria
HearWiki score
84
68
Sound
8.6
7.3
Value
8.6
6.4
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
The Kiwi Ears KE4 is 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- KE420243 yr newer
- Aria2021
Specifications
KE4Aria
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $120
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 68
- Released
- 2024
- 2021
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 10 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 5 Hz - 36 kHz
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 122 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Companion app
- -
- No
- Custom EQ
- -
- No
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- none
- Weight
- -
- 12 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Connector
- 3.5 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
Moondrop Aria
The Moondrop Aria is a wired dynamic in-ear monitor delivering a balanced, slightly warm sound signature with a touch of extra punch. It's easy to drive from phones, well-built, and offers a removable 2-pin cable, though its passive isolation is only average and it lacks any onboard controls.
- Pro:Balanced, warm tuning with good detail
- Pro:Easy to drive thanks to high sensitivity
- Pro:Solid build quality
- Con:Weak passive isolation
- Con:No playback controls
- Con:Cable prone to tangling and noise
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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