Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs TinHifi P1 Max: 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
TinHifi P1 Max
61Average
$190
Full review dataScore 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
- TinHifi P1 Max
HearWiki score
84
61
Sound
8.6
6.6
Value
8.6
4.8
Price (USD)
$200
$190
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 2 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.
- KE420242 yr newer
- P1 Max2022
Specifications
KE4P1 Max
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $190
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 61
- Released
- 2024
- 2022
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 1 planar magnetic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- planar
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- 1 planar magnetic
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 14.2 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 1
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- 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
TinHifi P1 Max
The TinHifi P1 Max is a wired in-ear monitor that relies on a single 14.2 mm planar magnetic driver to deliver its sound. It is a high-fidelity design from TinHifi's planar P series, featuring a detachable 0.78 mm two-pin cable for easy replacement or upgrade. With a low 16-ohm impedance, it is relatively easy to drive from most sources.
- Pro:Planar magnetic driver for detailed, low-distortion sound
- Pro:Detachable 0.78 mm two-pin cable for customization
- Pro:Low impedance (16 ohms) makes it easy to drive
- Con:Requires a wired source; no built-in Bluetooth or ANC
- Con:May need a decent source to fully control the planar driver
- Con:No cable included in the specs, so you must supply your own
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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