Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs Moondrop Stellaris: 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 Stellaris
48Weak
$110
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 Stellaris
HearWiki score
84
48
Sound
8.6
5.8
Value
8.6
5.1
Price (USD)
$200
$110
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
Kiwi Ears KE4 (2024) against Moondrop Stellaris (2023). 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.
- KE420241 yr newer
- Stellaris2023
Specifications
KE4Stellaris
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $110
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 48
- Released
- 2024
- 2023
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 14.5 mm planar magnetic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- planar
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 14.5 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 10 Hz - 50 kHz
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 36 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 117 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 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 Stellaris
The Moondrop Stellaris is a budget-friendly planar IEM that delivers impressive speed, detail, and overall technical performance for its price. However, its bright, upper-mid-focused tuning and unconventional shell design make it a niche choice that won't suit all listeners or genres.
- Pro:Fast planar driver with excellent detail retrieval
- Pro:Great instrument separation and spacious imaging
- Pro:Solid build quality for the price
- Con:Bright and aggressive tuning that can fatigue easily
- Con:Light bass weight and uneven lower end
- Con:Polarizing fit due to shell shape
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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