Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs V-Moda Zn: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Kiwi Ears KE4 vs V-Moda Zn, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Wired IEMs
V-Moda Zn
Not yet scored
$200
Full review dataScore 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
- V-Moda Zn
HearWiki score
84
-
Sound
8.6
-
Value
8.6
-
Price (USD)
$200
$200
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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- KE420246 yr newer
- Zn2018
Specifications
KE4Zn
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $200
- HearWiki score
- 84
- Not scored
- Released
- 2024
- 2018
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 8 mm driver
- Driver type
- hybrid
- -
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 8 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- -
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 3.5 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
V-Moda Zn
The V-MODA Zn is a wired in-ear headphone designed for listeners seeking accurate, high-fidelity audio without the complexity of active noise cancellation. Its compact 8 mm driver and low 16-ohm impedance make it easy to drive from a wide range of portable devices, delivering a clear and detailed sound signature.
- Pro:High-fidelity, detailed sound reproduction
- Pro:Lightweight and portable wired design
- Pro:Low impedance for easy pairing with phones and DAPs
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Wired only, so no wireless freedom
- Con:Limited accessory options compared to newer models
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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