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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
HearWiki score
84
-
Sound
8.6
-
Value
8.6
-
Price (USD)
$200
$130

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

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

KE4FISSION
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.

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