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Kiwi Ears KE4 vs Sennheiser IE 80S BT: 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.

Sennheiser IE 80S BT leads on 4 of 7 measures.

  • Kiwi Ears KE4
  • Sennheiser IE 80S BT
HearWiki score
84
40
Sound
8.6
7.3
Noise cancelling
-
0.0
Battery
-
3.5
Calls
-
7.7
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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • KE420246 yr newer
  • IE 80S BT2018

Specifications

KE4IE 80S BT
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$200
$190
HearWiki score
84
40
Released
2024
2018
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
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 - 20 kHz
Impedance
28 Ω
16 Ω
Bluetooth
-
5.0
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, LHDC
Multipoint pairing
-
No
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
-
6 h
Battery incl. case
-
340 h
Full charge time
-
90 min
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Google Assistant, Siri
Weight
-
30 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Microphones
-
2

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

Sennheiser IE 80S BT

The Sennheiser IE 80S BT is a wireless neckband-style in-ear that builds on the wired IE 80S heritage, offering a full-bodied, clear sound with adjustable bass. It supports a wide range of high-quality Bluetooth codecs, including aptX HD and aptX Low Latency, and weighs just 30 grams for comfortable all-day wear. While its six-hour battery life is modest and it lacks features like ANC or an app, it's aimed at audiophiles who value sound quality over extra conveniences.

  • Pro:Excellent codec support including aptX HD and LHDC
  • Pro:Full-bodied, clear sound with adjustable bass
  • Pro:Lightweight 30g neckband design
  • Con:Short 6-hour battery life on a single charge
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:No app support or custom EQ

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 KE4Sennheiser IE 80S BT