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Kiwi Ears KE4 vs TRI I3 Pro: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Kiwi Ears KE4 vs TRI I3 Pro, 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
  • TRI I3 Pro
HearWiki score
84
-
Sound
8.6
-
Value
8.6
-
Price (USD)
$200
$170

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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • KE420243 yr newer
  • I3 Pro2021

Specifications

KE4I3 Pro
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$200
$170
HearWiki score
84
Not scored
Released
2024
2021
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
Driver
2DD + 2BA hybrid
1DD + 1BA + 1PL tribrid
Driver type
hybrid
tribrid
Driver configuration
2DD + 2BA
1DD + 1BA + 1PL
Driver size
10 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
4
3
Impedance
28 Ω
15 Ω
Active noise cancelling
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

TRI I3 Pro

This wired in-ear monitor pairs a planar magnetic driver with a dynamic and a balanced-armature unit in a triple-driver hybrid setup, aiming to refine the sound of its predecessor. It's a budget-friendly hi-fi option for those seeking a detailed and versatile tuning without wireless features or noise blocking.

  • Pro:Layered and detailed sound from the hybrid driver array
  • Pro:Good value for a tribrid configuration at this price
  • Pro:Comfortable fit with standard 0.78mm two-pin cables
  • Con:Lacks noise cancellation and wireless convenience
  • Con:Requires a decent source to drive the 15-ohm impedance well
  • Con:Stock cable may not be to everyone's liking

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 KE4TRI I3 Pro