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Kiwi Ears KE4 vs Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate 2: 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.

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
  • Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate 2
HearWiki score
84
60
Sound
8.6
7.0
Value
8.6
6.0
Price (USD)
$200
$370

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

Both shipped in 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
  • Xuan Wu Gate 22024

Specifications

KE4Xuan Wu Gate 2
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$200
$370
HearWiki score
84
60
Released
2024
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
Driver
2DD + 2BA hybrid
1DD + 4BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type
hybrid
tribrid
Driver configuration
2DD + 2BA
1DD + 4BA + 2EST
Driver size
10 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
4
7
Frequency response
-
7 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
28 Ω
10.5 Ω
Sensitivity
-
103 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Connector
3.5 mm
4.4 mm balanced

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

Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate 2

The Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate 2 is a wired tribrid IEM that leans toward a neutral and highly detailed sound, offering impressive clarity, expansive staging, and precise imaging. Its stock tuning is on the brighter and leaner side, which may not suit bass lovers and could feel fatiguing over long sessions. Build quality is solid, but the fit can be finicky, and the price may seem high for what it delivers out of the box.

  • Pro:Excellent technical performance with strong detail retrieval
  • Pro:Spacious soundstage and accurate imaging
  • Pro:Solid build quality and detachable 4.4mm balanced cable
  • Con:Stock tuning is bright and bass-light, potentially fatiguing
  • Con:Fit can be finicky and may not suit all ear shapes
  • Con:Price feels steep relative to the overall package

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 KE4Tangzu Xuan Wu Gate 2