Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
81Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs Moondrop RAYS: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears KE4 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. 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 RAYS
78Great
$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 5 measures.
- Kiwi Ears KE4
- Moondrop RAYS
HearWiki score
81
78
Sound
8.6
7.6
Calls
-
7.5
Value
8.6
7.8
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
Moondrop RAYS (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
- RAYS20251 yr newer
Specifications
KE4RAYS
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $100
- HearWiki score
- 81
- 78
- Released
- 2024
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 1DD + 1PL hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- 1DD + 1PL
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 2
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 30 Ω
- 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 hybrid IEM that delivers a balanced, smooth sound signature with a touch of added bass and treble sparkle, making it a versatile choice for many genres. It offers solid clarity and a comfortable fit, though its tuning leans relaxed rather than aggressive, and it lacks the ultimate resolving power of pricier models. Overall, it's a polished performer around the $200 mark that suits listeners who prefer a neutral yet slightly warm presentation.
- Pro:Well-balanced tuning with a relaxing character
- Pro:Rich lower mids and airy treble
- Pro:Comfortable fit for long sessions
- Con:Sub-bass can feel a bit overpowering at times
- Con:Limited dynamics and resolving power compared to top-tier IEMs
- Con:Accessories are minimal
Moondrop RAYS
This wired USB-C IEM pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with a 6mm planar-magnetic driver for a hybrid sound aimed at competitive gaming. It offers game-focused tuning, strong positional audio cues, and app-based parametric EQ adjustments, making it a versatile option for gamers seeking clarity and customization at a budget-friendly price.
- Pro:Hybrid driver design delivers detailed, layered sound
- Pro:Gaming-tuned profile enhances footsteps and directional cues
- Pro:USB-C connection with built-in DSP allows easy EQ tweaks
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so ambient sounds bleed in
- Con:Requires USB-C source, limiting use with standard audio jacks
- Con:App-based EQ may feel gimmicky for non-gamers
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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