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Kiwi Ears KE4 vs Shanling ME100: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Kiwi Ears KE4 vs Shanling ME100, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score 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
  • Shanling ME100
HearWiki score
84
-
Sound
8.6
-
Value
8.6
-
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 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
  • ME1002018

Specifications

KE4ME100
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$200
$120
HearWiki score
84
Not scored
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
-
20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
28 Ω
16 Ω
Sensitivity
-
111 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
No
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

Shanling ME100

The Shanling ME100 is a wired in-ear monitor built around a single 10mm dynamic driver, tuned for a broad 20Hz-40kHz frequency response and high 111dB sensitivity. It comes with a detachable, oxygen-free copper cable terminated in a gold-plated 3.5mm plug, making it a straightforward, no-frills choice for listeners who prefer a traditional analog connection.

  • Pro:Dynamic driver delivers punchy, lively sound
  • Pro:High sensitivity makes it easy to drive from any source
  • Pro:Detachable cable allows for easy replacement or upgrade
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless features
  • Con:Single-driver design may lack the detail of multi-driver IEMs
  • Con:16-ohm impedance could be slightly sensitive to source output impedance

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 KE4Shanling ME100