
Kiwi Ears KE4 vs Tanchjim FISSION: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Kiwi Ears KE4 vs Tanchjim FISSION, 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
- Tanchjim FISSION
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?
Tanchjim FISSION (2025) against Kiwi Ears KE4 (2024). These are 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.
- KE42024
- FISSION20251 yr newer
Specifications
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $130
- HearWiki score
- 84
- Not scored
- Released
- 2024
- 2025
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 2× dynamic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 2
- Frequency response
- -
- 8 Hz - 48 kHz
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 2-pin 0.78 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
Tanchjim FISSION
The Tanchjim FISSION is a wired in-ear monitor that pairs two dynamic drivers in a dual-chamber design, using an inner and outer double-magnetic circuit to keep distortion low. It delivers a broad frequency range from 8 Hz to 48 kHz, making it a solid choice for detail-focused listening without active noise cancellation.
- Pro:Dual dynamic drivers with dual-chamber design for balanced sound
- Pro:Wide frequency response extends from 8 Hz to 48 kHz
- Pro:Low distortion thanks to double-magnetic circuit technology
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so external noise may intrude
- Con:Requires a wired source, which may not suit all users
- Con:16-ohm impedance may need a decent source for optimal volume
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.
