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Kiwi Ears KE4 vs Westone ES10: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Kiwi Ears KE4 vs Westone ES10, 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
  • Westone ES10
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
  • ES102018

Specifications

KE4ES10
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
balanced armature
Driver type
hybrid
balanced-armature
Driver configuration
2DD + 2BA
-
Driver size
10 mm
-
Drivers per side
4
1
Frequency response
-
20 Hz - 18 kHz
Impedance
28 Ω
25 Ω
Sensitivity
-
114 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
-
No
Connector
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

Westone ES10

The Westone ES10 is a wired, custom-fit in-ear monitor built around a single balanced-armature driver, housed in handcrafted acrylic for acoustic precision. It relies on a snug physical seal for passive noise reduction rather than any active circuitry, making it a straightforward, high-sensitivity option for critical listening.

  • Pro:Custom acrylic shell ensures a precise, comfortable fit
  • Pro:High sensitivity (114 dB) makes it easy to drive from most sources
  • Pro:Single balanced-armature driver delivers clear, focused sound
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless features
  • Con:Limited frequency response up to 18 kHz may not suit treble enthusiasts
  • Con:No water resistance, so it's not ideal for workouts or wet conditions

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 KE4Westone ES10