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 entry-level hybrid IEM that blends a dynamic driver with three balanced armatures to deliver a lively, bass-forward sound with smooth highs and clear vocals. Its distinctive low-end character gives it a fun, energetic presentation, though this unique tuning may not suit purists. While technically capable and spacious-sounding, it demands a decent source and shows some resonance quirks, making it more of an enjoyable experiment than a strictly neutral monitor.

Pro:Vocal clarity and airy treble
Pro:Full-bodied, energetic bass response
Pro:Good soundstage and clean note decay

Con:Bass-forward tuning may not suit all listeners
Con:Needs a capable source to perform at its best
Con:Low-end effect can introduce resonance or control issues

Letshuoer S12 Ultra

The Letshuoer S12 Ultra is a wired in-ear monitor built around a single 14.8mm planar magnetic driver housed in a lightweight aluminum shell. It delivers the signature planar sound of the S12 line—fast, detailed, and punchy—in a refreshed design aimed at hi-fi enthusiasts. With a low 16-ohm impedance, it pairs easily with most sources, though it lacks any active noise cancellation.

Pro:Fast, detailed planar sound with strong dynamics
Pro:Lightweight and sturdy aluminum-alloy build
Pro:Easy to drive thanks to low impedance

Con:No noise cancellation or isolation features
Con:Planar timbre may not suit all listeners
Con:Cable and accessories are basic for the price

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.

New comparison Kiwi Ears Étude Letshuoer S12 Ultra