Skip to content
HearWiki

Kiwi Ears KE4 vs Ziigaat Horizon: 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.

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
  • Ziigaat Horizon
HearWiki score
84
81
Sound
8.6
8.7
Value
8.6
8.4
Price (USD)
$200
$330

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

Ziigaat Horizon (2025) against Kiwi Ears KE4 (2024). These are 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.

  • KE42024
  • Horizon20251 yr newer

Specifications

KE4Horizon
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$200
$330
HearWiki score
84
81
Released
2024
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
2DD + 2BA hybrid
1DD + 2BA + 2PL tribrid
Driver type
hybrid
tribrid
Driver configuration
2DD + 2BA
1DD + 2BA + 2PL
Driver size
10 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
4
5
Impedance
28 Ω
24 Ω
Active noise cancelling
No
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

Ziigaat Horizon

The Ziigaat Horizon is a wired tribrid IEM that offers impressive technical performance for its price, featuring a large soundstage and detailed treble. Its W-shaped tuning balances fun and technicality, though its energetic treble and lighter bass may not suit everyone.

  • Pro:Excellent technical performance for the price
  • Pro:Large, holographic soundstage with strong imaging
  • Pro:Detailed and extended treble
  • Con:Treble can be fatiguing or slightly sibilant
  • Con:Limited mid-bass punch and physical bass impact
  • Con:Build quality can feel a bit cheap

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.