Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs Sony MDR-EX800st: 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
Sony MDR-EX800st
68Good
$300
Full review dataScore 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-EX800st
HearWiki score
84
68
Sound
8.6
7.8
Value
8.6
7.1
Price (USD)
$200
$300
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 14 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 14 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- KE4202414 yr newer
- MDR-EX800st2010
Specifications
KE4MDR-EX800st
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $300
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 68
- Released
- 2024
- 2010
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 16 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 16 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- -
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- -
- 108 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Weight
- -
- 7 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- 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-EX800st
The Sony MDR-EX800ST is a wired in-ear monitor designed for professional stage use, developed in collaboration with Sony Music Studios. It features a 16mm dynamic driver and a detachable cable, prioritizing accurate sound reproduction for live performance monitoring. This lightweight IEM (7g) offers high sensitivity, making it a reliable tool for artists on stage.
- Pro:Professional-grade sound accuracy for monitoring
- Pro:Large 16mm dynamic driver for detailed audio
- Pro:Lightweight design (7g) for comfortable extended wear
- Con:No active noise cancellation, relying on passive isolation only
- Con:Wired-only design limits portability without a source
- Con:Premium price point may not suit casual listeners
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.