Aful Explorer and Kiwi Ears Aether are in-ear monitors. Aful Explorer costs $120 while Kiwi Ears Aether costs $170. Kiwi Ears Aether is $50 more expensive. Aful Explorer holds a slight 0.3-point edge in reviewer scores (7.1 vs 6.8). Kiwi Ears Aether has significantly better treble with a 1.2-point edge, Aful Explorer has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and Kiwi Ears Aether has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
Metric | Aful Explorer | Kiwi Ears Aether |
---|---|---|
Bass | 6.5 | 6.8 |
Mids | 6.2 | 6 |
Treble | 6.8 | 8 |
Details | 6.5 | 6.8 |
Soundstage | 7 | 7.5 |
Imaging | 6.5 | 6.8 |
Dynamics | 7 | 6 |
Tonality | 7 | 7 |
Technicalities | 6.6 | 7.5 |
Aful Explorer Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Kiwi Ears Aether Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Aful Explorer Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA
Tuning Type: bass-boosted neutral
Brand: AFUL Top AFUL IEMs
Price (Msrp): $120
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Kiwi Ears Aether Details
Driver Configuration:
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: Kiwi Ears Top Kiwi Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $170
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Aful Explorer User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Kiwi Ears Aether User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Aful Explorer Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.7Gaming Grade
B+Kiwi Ears Aether Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.5Gaming Grade
AAful Explorer Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Generally enjoyable tonal character with some noticeable unevenness. Maintains listenability while showing room for refinement in frequency balance.
Average Technical Grade
B+- Satisfactory technical performance. Handles basic detail retrieval adequately in most tracks. Maintains reasonable cohesion in simpler arrangements.
Kiwi Ears Aether Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Generally enjoyable tonal character with some noticeable unevenness. Maintains listenability while showing room for refinement in frequency balance.
Average Technical Grade
A- Good technical performance. Clear separation and decent detail retrieval across various tracks. Soundstage shows reasonable width and depth.
Aful Explorer Reviews
Relaxed upper mid-range. Vocals sound a little bit more forward than instruments. Smooth treble performance.Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
The mids still upset me, but it sounds magical. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Relaxed and fun. Easy to listen to. A bit darker than my preferrd signature but I enjoyed this quite a bit. Loaner
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Perfect for rock and metal. Smooth, relaxing tuning, great bass with good slam, rich mid-range, safe treble. Upper mids may be too relaxed for some, treble is a bit dark.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
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High volume set, very immersive, scales great with no sharpness, wide staging, enough detail/extension, good bass, just crank it up and enjoy the music. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Kiwi Ears Aether Reviews
Not for bassheads, but one of the best planars I've ever heard. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Clean, balanced, with slight air boost in the treble. Bass sounds like a DD with great texture. Cheaper better tuned P5+2. Not as smooth as Timeless 2 with more dynamic contrast with a slight sizzle from the treble boost. Good value for a planar. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Gizaudio Axel
2025-07-25One of the best planar IEMs out there. The treble is smoother and easier on the ears than most planars. Balanced sound with clean bass, smooth mids, and detailed treble. Great clarity, wide soundstage, and natural timbre for a planar. Bass might be a bit light, and treble can be a little forward for some.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
A little bit spicy in the treble (like the other planars). Relaxed upper mid-range. Warmer tuning than S12. It's a decent IEMSuper* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
Aful Explorer User Reviews
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