Kiwi Ears Étude vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Letshuoer S12 Ultra comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Letshuoer S12 Ultra - Outstanding overall at around $169.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Letshuoer S12 Ultra leads on 3 of 4 measures.

Kiwi Ears Étude
Letshuoer S12 Ultra

HearWiki score

Sound

7.1

8.6

Value

7.0

8.9

Price (USD)

$120

$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

Both shipped in 2025. 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.

Étude2025
S12 Ultra2025

Specifications

ÉtudeS12 Ultra

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $120; $170
HearWiki score: 68; 83
Released: 2025; 2025
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 1DD + 3BA hybrid; 1 planar magnetic
Driver type: hybrid; planar
Driver configuration: 1DD + 3BA; 1 planar magnetic
Driver size: 10 mm; 14.8 mm
Drivers per side: 4; 1
Impedance: 5 Ω; 16 Ω
Sensitivity: 104 dB/mW; -
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; -

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears Étude vs Letshuoer S12 Ultra
Spec	Kiwi Ears Étude	Letshuoer S12 Ultra
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$120	$170
HearWiki score	68 / 100 Good	83 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2025	2025
Audio
Driver	1DD + 3BA hybrid	1 planar magnetic
Driver type	hybrid	planar
Driver configuration	1DD + 3BA	1 planar magnetic
Driver size	10 mm	14.8 mm
Drivers per side	4	1
Impedance	5 Ω	16 Ω
Sensitivity	104 dB/mW	-
Design
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	-

What reviewers said

Kiwi Ears Étude

The Kiwi Ears Étude is an affordable hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with three balanced armatures for a lively, bass-forward sound. It delivers energetic, warm tones with smooth highs and clear vocals, though its unique low-end character can be polarizing and demanding on source gear. A fun, distinctive listen for those seeking a colorful tuning rather than strict neutrality.

Pro:Lively, energetic tuning with full-bodied bass
Pro:Clear vocal reproduction and airy soundstage
Pro:Smooth highs with clean note decay

Con:Bass-forward character may not suit all listeners
Con:Can introduce resonance or control issues at times
Con:Requires a capable source to perform optimally

Letshuoer S12 Ultra

The Letshuoer S12 Ultra is a wired in-ear monitor that delivers Hi-Fi sound through a single 14.8mm planar magnetic driver housed in a lightweight aluminum-alloy shell. Aimed at music enthusiasts, it offers the signature planar-driver clarity and detail of the S12 series in a refreshed design, without any active noise cancellation or wireless features. Priced around $169, it's a straightforward, high-performance option for wired listening.

Pro:Detailed and fast planar magnetic sound
Pro:Lightweight and durable aluminum-alloy build
Pro:Accurate bass response with low distortion

Con:Requires a wired connection, no wireless freedom
Con:No active noise cancellation for noisy environments
Con:Open-back style may leak sound in quiet settings

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

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New comparison Kiwi Ears Étude Letshuoer S12 Ultra