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Kiwi Ears KE4 vs Sony MDR-E252: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Kiwi Ears KE4 vs Sony MDR-E252, 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 4 of 4 measures.

  • Kiwi Ears KE4
  • Sony MDR-E252
HearWiki score
84
-
Sound
8.6
-
Value
8.6
-
Price (USD)
$200
-

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 42 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 42 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • KE4202442 yr newer
  • MDR-E2521982

Specifications

KE4MDR-E252
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$200
-
HearWiki score
84
Not scored
Released
2024
1982
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
Driver
2DD + 2BA hybrid
-
Driver type
hybrid
-
Driver configuration
2DD + 2BA
-
Driver size
10 mm
-
Drivers per side
4
-
Impedance
28 Ω
-
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Detachable cable
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

Sony MDR-E252

The Sony MDR-E252, launched in 1982, marks the debut of Sony's 'NUDE' line of in-ear headphones. This wired model offers a vintage, straightforward listening experience without active noise cancellation, appealing to those seeking a classic, minimalist design.

  • Pro:Pioneering design as the first NUDE series model
  • Pro:Lightweight and compact wired form factor
  • Pro:Historical significance for early in-ear audio
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Outdated technology by modern standards
  • Con:Likely limited bass and sound isolation

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

Compare something else

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New comparisonKiwi Ears KE4Sony MDR-E252