Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs Westone MACH 20: 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
Westone MACH 20
48Weak
$300
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
- Westone MACH 20
HearWiki score
84
48
Sound
8.6
6.2
Value
8.6
4.4
Price (USD)
$200
$300
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
- MACH 202022
Specifications
KE4MACH 20
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $300
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 48
- Released
- 2024
- 2022
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 2× balanced armature
- Driver type
- hybrid
- balanced-armature
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 2
- Frequency response
- -
- 20 Hz - 18 kHz
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 96 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 110 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- -
- 6 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- 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 MACH 20
The Westone MACH 20 is a wired, dual balanced-armature IEM that offers a neutral, studio-oriented sound with clear mids and controlled bass. It's a comfortable, competent performer for monitoring and vocal-focused listening, though its treble extension and overall excitement are modest rather than class-leading.
- Pro:Neutral, balanced tuning
- Pro:Clear and forward mids
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Con:Limited treble extension
- Con:Not an exciting or dynamic sound
- Con:Average tonal tuning
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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