Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs Moondrop Starfield: 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 Starfield
67Good
$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 Starfield
HearWiki score
84
67
Sound
8.6
7.4
Value
8.6
5.5
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 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
- Starfield2020
Specifications
KE4Starfield
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $120
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 67
- Released
- 2024
- 2020
- 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
- -
- 10 Hz - 36 kHz
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 122 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- 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 Starfield
The Moondrop Starfield is a wired, single-dynamic-driver IEM that delivers a well-balanced and detailed sound signature for its price. Its attractive design and comfortable fit make it a popular choice for both newcomers and experienced listeners seeking a reliable daily driver. While it offers excellent value, it faces stiff competition from newer models in the same price range.
- Pro:Refined and balanced tuning
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval for the price
- Pro:Stylish and durable build quality
- Con:Not a major upgrade over cheaper alternatives
- Con:Lacks active noise cancellation
- Con:May require an amp for optimal performance on some devices
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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