Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs MOONDROP KXXS: 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 KXXS
54Average
$190
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 KXXS
HearWiki score
84
54
Sound
8.6
6.8
Value
8.6
-
Price (USD)
$200
$190
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 5 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 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- KE420245 yr newer
- KXXS2019
Specifications
KE4KXXS
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $190
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 54
- Released
- 2024
- 2019
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 1DD
- Driver type
- hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- 1DD
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 1
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 110 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
MOONDROP KXXS
This wired in-ear monitor from MOONDROP, launched in 2019, is built around a single 10mm dynamic driver to deliver a balanced, versatile sound for music listening. With a lightweight design and standard 2-pin connector, it aims to be a reliable all-rounder for everyday use.
- Pro:Balanced tuning works well across genres
- Pro:Solid build with a metal shell
- Pro:Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable
- Con:No noise cancellation or wireless support
- Con:Single-driver design may limit detail in busy tracks
- Con:Fit may not suit all ear shapes
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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