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Kiwi Ears KE4 vs Noble Audio Vanguard and Iris: 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.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Kiwi Ears KE4 leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • Kiwi Ears KE4
  • Noble Audio Vanguard and Iris
HearWiki score
84
79
Sound
8.6
8.3
Value
8.6
7.0
Price (USD)
$200
$330

Specifications

KE4Vanguard and Iris
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$200
$330
HearWiki score
84
79
Released
2024
2026
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
2DD + 2BA hybrid
3-driver hybrid
Driver type
hybrid
hybrid
Driver configuration
2DD + 2BA
-
Driver size
10 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
4
3
Frequency response
-
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
28 Ω
23 Ω
Sensitivity
-
112 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
-
Yes
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

Noble Audio Vanguard and Iris

Noble Audio's new universal IEMs offer two distinct tuning approaches: the Vanguard is a budget-friendly three-driver hybrid that blends a 10mm PEK dynamic driver with dual balanced armatures, while the Iris steps up as a pricier single-dynamic-driver model with a 10.2mm driver. Both wired designs feature USB-C connectivity and are geared toward listeners who prefer either hybrid versatility or the coherence of a single-driver sound.

  • Pro:Affordable hybrid option with dual-armature detail
  • Pro:Lightweight and portable wired design with USB-C
  • Pro:Balanced impedance and high sensitivity for easy driving
  • Con:Iris price is significantly higher for a single-driver setup
  • Con:Limited frequency range compared to some rivals
  • Con:No wireless or ANC features for on-the-go use

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonKiwi Ears KE4Noble Audio Vanguard and Iris