Kiwi Ears Astral VS Kiwi Ears KE4

The Kiwi Ears Astral offers a solid build quality with comfortable shells that fit well, featuring a practical nozzle design that holds ear tips securely. The included cable is notably high-quality, featuring a functional chin slider, a sleek bluish-purplish-gray hue, and connectors that are exceptionally easy to swap. While the case is utilitarian and similar to other Kiwi Ears offerings, the overall package is practical and well-appointed.

Sonically, the Astral stands out as a special and highly competitive set at its $299 price point. It delivers a beautifully tuned, balanced tonality that hugs the target curve closely, offering a satisfying amount of bass, well-executed upper mids, and a generally pleasing, non-fatiguing sound. While it may occasionally lean slightly shouty or risk sounding dull on certain tracks compared to more aggressively tuned alternatives, it excels as a refined all-rounder. Its technical performance – including spaciousness, detail retrieval, and rich bass texturing – is impressive for the price, though micro-details and ultimate pristine clarity aren't class-leading.

The Astral trades blows with top competitors like the Performer 7 (slightly darker/richer) and the Volume S (better dynamics but less sub-bass), often coming out ahead for its cohesive balance. It significantly improves upon predecessors like the Kiwi Ears Quartet or Singolo, offering better upper-mid presence and technicalities. Ultimately, it represents a fantastic option for those seeking a well-tuned, balanced IEM, delivering a highly enjoyable and versatile listening experience with minimal faults. For its price, it's exceptionally hard to beat, earning strong marks across the board.

Jaytiss original ranking

Build & accessories: understated box, a surprisingly nice cable with a “juicy” feel and flat 2-pin connectors, plus extra filters. The stock tips are the weak link—thin out note weight and feel downright horrific, so a tip swap is recommended. The medium-to-large shell is a highlight: secure fit, comfy nozzle size, and a handsome faceplate that looks premium in ear. Overall ergonomics and finish scream daily-driver friendly.

Sound: impactful, well-judged bass, lively upper mids, and a touch of upper-air jank; for $200 it’s a strong value with a clean, modern JM1-style tuning. Easily the most convincing Kiwi Ears to date: more balanced and natural than Quintet (which pushes upper mids/10 kHz energy), far more sensible than the treble-shouty Forteza, a clear upgrade over budget options like DLS and the tiny, poorly packaged Singolo, and less fatiguing than the bass-and-upper-mid heavy Melody. Against $200 benchmarks, KE4 becomes a new reference—cleaner male vocals and better build than “Chopin,” and a tighter low end plus tidier mids than AFUL Performer 5. Trades blows with Hype 4 at a fraction of the price; those craving a pricier step-up in the same vein can eye HiSenior Mega5EST. Measured verdict: Tier A, 3-star, 8.8 for tone—good imaging, solid soundstage, gamer-friendly, not flawless but genuinely excellent once re-tipped. A handsome, comfortable set that delivers outstanding value for newcomers and gift-givers alike.

Jaytiss original ranking

The Kiwi Ears Astral, priced at $299, combines one dynamic driver and six balanced armatures in an exceptionally ergonomic and lightweight 3D printed resin chassis. Comfort is phenomenal, allowing for extended listening sessions exceeding eight hours without discomfort. Available in striking blue or gold faceplates, the Astral impresses immediately with its build and feel.

Tonally, the Astral offers a fantastic, well-balanced V-shaped tuning. It features punchy, airy, and well-separated bass with notable sub-bass rumble that avoids muddying the exceptionally clear and resolving mids. The treble provides very good extension, feeling airy, technical, clean, and fast, contributing to an overall presentation that sounds more expensive than its price tag. While generally excellent, providing too much power can make the upper region slightly spicy with certain intense audio cues. The technical performance – imaging, separation, layering, and micro-detail retrieval – is phenomenal across various music genres.

For competitive gaming, the Astral truly shines, demonstrating holographic imaging and precise depth perception. In Valorant, it excels at differentiating multiple footsteps and gunfire sources with urgency and precise horizontal and vertical placement. It handles chaotic moments in CS2, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty exceptionally well, maintaining clear separation during intense firefights, grenade explosions, and air strikes without becoming fatiguing or overwhelming. Tip selection is crucial for optimal performance, with recommendations leaning towards options like the Azla EarFit Light. Despite including a decent interchangeable cable and silicone tips, third-party tips are suggested. Ultimately, the Kiwi Ears Astral is a fantastic all-rounder, delivering top-tier performance for both music and competitive gaming at its mid-range price point.

Fresh Reviews original ranking

$199 hybrid with 2DD+2BA, the Kiwi Ears KE4 pairs a glossy, translucent faceplate with an ergonomic 3D-printed resin shell for all-day comfort. The stock 3.5 mm cable is light and flexible, the new silicone tips seal well, and spare filters are included. Sonically it follows the diffuse-field “new meta” tuning popularized by sets like Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk, Dunu Da Vinci, and Mega5 EST—but arrives as the most affordable in that crowd. Tonality leans a touch warm with a smooth upper-mid/treble that keeps gunshots from sounding harsh; for music, the presentation feels immersive and lively at the price.

For competitive play, performance varies by title. In Valorant: B, horizontal imaging and depth cues are convincing, and footstep “thumps” pop through clearly, aiding reaction time. In Apex Legends: B–, basic imaging and map awareness are fine, but busy fights expose separation/layering limits and a slight haze to light taps and micro-details. In Call of Duty: C+ (borderline B–), clarity and detail retrieval dip during chaotic moments and the game’s occlusion/breathing effects mask cues more than preferred. Overall, a stylish, comfortable DF-tuned IEM that’s great for music and a solid pick for Valorant, but not the first choice for top-tier Apex/CoD grinders—though it still makes the Wallhack Certified list.

Fresh Reviews original ranking

Priced at $300, the Kiwi Ears Astral stands as the brand's most expensive IEM, featuring a 10mm dynamic driver and six balanced armatures. The build is notably large and deep, with a design described as "pepper" yellow or more appealing "blue crystal" – though the included accessories are minimal, offering just one set of tips, replacement filters, and an interchangeable connector (3.5mm or 4.4mm). The gunmetal gray four-wire cable earns praise for its quality and flexibility, but the deep connector adds significant length, potentially hindering portability. Simply put, at this price with so little included, the sound must deliver.

And deliver it does. The Astral produces an exceptionally wide and holographic soundstage, achieving impressive "instrument realization" – creating an almost unsettling sense of space where sounds can emerge from above, below, behind, or beside the listener. The tuning is decidedly chill and smooth, prioritizing effortless listening over aggressive detail. The dynamic driver handles frequencies up to 300Hz, providing satisfying warmth and weight to the bass, while the six BAs contribute significantly to the expansive staging and air. This isn't a sound easily found in sub-$100 IEMs; it offers a unique, relaxed presentation reminiscent of far more expensive models, like certain $1,500 Final Audio IEMs known for holographic imaging.

The Kiwi Ears Astral emerges as a strong contender for favorite IEM of the year. While it lacks accessories and its large, somewhat plain design might not win beauty contests, its unique sonic character justifies the $300 price tag. It carves out a niche as a "big wide smooth" option, perfect for extended, fatigue-free listening sessions where the goal is pure enjoyment and astonishment rather than analytical treble scrutiny. It competes favorably with $500+ IEMs known for soundstage, offering a glorious, spacious, and utterly engaging listening experience that makes revisiting tracks a joy. For those seeking a high-end, chill sound with exceptional staging and bass foundation, the Astral is a magnum opus worth serious consideration.

Z-Reviews original ranking

Kiwi Ears KE4 is a 2DD + 2BA hybrid touting an isobaric subwoofer system and “sub-bass impact and slam.” The reality doesn’t match the brochure: the $200 package feels plain—simple box, basic case, few tips, and a generic 3.5 mm cable—while the tuning comes across as safe to a fault. Marketing promises of kick drum thump and bass guitar presence give way to a presentation that’s competent but uninvolving.

On music, the low end skews mushy rather than tight, transients lack bite, and the overall tone reads flat—the kind of “waiting-room” vibe that prompts a double-check of DSP settings. Even with a strong seal from premium tips, energy and excitement refuse to show up; it’s “fine ingredients, bland dish.” Technicals aren’t a disaster (it’s not unclear), but fun factor feels negative, recalling ultra-neutral sets like Softears Studio 4S that impress more than they engage. Verdict: about a 6/10 (maybe 7/10 on a generous day), with better value found in a cheaper Kiwi alternative at roughly half the price—skip the KE4 if musical thrill is the goal.

Z-Reviews original ranking

The Kiwi Ears Astral presents a well-rounded, balanced sound signature characterized by a boost in sub-bass and treble air, sharing some DNA with the Meta but offering significant improvements. It delivers a punchier, harder-slamming low end with better texture, making drums feel livelier and more impactful compared to the Meta. The mid-range and vocals are also more forward and less relaxed, creating a fuller sound versus the Meta's brighter, leaner presentation that highlights treble sparkle. While not vocal-centric like the Arcanis, the Astral excels as a true all-rounder.

Technically, the Astral edges out the Meta, offering better bass texture, improved vocal clarity, and slightly more micro-details in the mid-range and treble. Its value is strong at roughly $50 more than the Meta. However, the boosted air region can make the treble sound slightly wispy or fatiguing at higher volumes on very energetic tracks laden with symbols or air, making it best suited for mid-volume listening (around 65 dB). Genre-wise, it shines as an all-rounder at this volume, providing clean, extended, natural vocals, a thumpy low end with good rumble, and extended, airy treble. Compared to the Odyssey, the Astral is cleaner, more detailed, smoother, and airier, working better for mid-centric genres like indie, acoustic, and classical, though the Odyssey scales better at higher volumes and feels fuller for pop, metal, R&B, and hip-hop.

Positioned as a strong contender for the best all-rounder under $300, the Astral is seen as a more complete version of sets like the Pilgrim and Dusk, offering better sub-bass extension, texture, and rumble with less shouty vocals and sizzly treble. It significantly outperforms the Performer 5+2 technically for only $50 more and is a tier above the Kiwi Ears KE4 in clarity and technicalities. While specific alternatives like the EPZ P50, Tanchjim Origin, or Cadenza 4 are better for vocal focus, and sets like the Estrella or Deuce excel for bass, the Astral stands out for its balanced, engaging, and technically proficient performance across most genres at mid-volume. Expecting potential sales around $260, it's heralded as the new all-rounder benchmark under $300, ideal for listeners who want a single versatile IEM where "everything just sounds great."

Jays Audio original ranking

Kiwi Ears KE4 plays a warm-leaning, smooth and relaxing set at mid volume with slightly laid-back vocals and a good sense of space. The real trick is volume scaling: turn it up and the upper-mids/treble step forward with more detail without becoming shouty, while the bass grows thumpier and digs deeper. A 1 kHz scoop plus a tasteful ~3 kHz lift (gentler than Harman) keeps vocals extended yet non-fatiguing; the trade-off is vocal power/weight, which stays a touch mild compared to sets like RS5.

Driven by dual dynamic drivers, the KE4’s low end is among the best under $200 for texture, slam, and note weight, making the tuning feel full and grounded. It’s not as razor-quick in transients or as surgical in imaging as certain planars or techy hybrids, but the payoff is a more natural timbre. Treble sits in a balanced pocket—neither splashy nor dark—with none of the plasticky shimmer or planar/PZT glare.

Against peers: Supermix 4 and Quintet (and even the cheaper “Conta”) push more micro-detail and separation; Orchestra Light is the cleanest/most neutral but softer in bass and more complete in vocals. Versus CKLVX and PULA, KE4 trades their airy, sometimes peaky sparkle for a smoother, more grounded presentation and richer bass grip. Compared with Explorer, KE4 offers a clear step up in technicalities and low-end authority, while Explorer stays more intimate. Net: not the new “benchmark” at $200, but as a crank-it-up, musical all-rounder with standout bass and fatigue-free top end, KE4 is an easy favorite.

Jays Audio original ranking

Unboxing & build land solidly for the price: a genuinely pocketable zip case, three pairs of narrow-bore tips, spare nozzle filters, and a modular 3.5/4.4 cable with a secure push-pull lock. The four-wire cable is soft, low-memory, and only lightly microphonic at the slider. Resin shells are a bit chunky with a short metal nozzle (6.0 mm at the widest) and average isolation, but the seal is stable and the comfort is excellent for long sessions—just not ideal for sleeping due to the slight protrusion.

Tonally, Astral aims for a Meta-style tuning with extra upper-treble air: clean, detailed, and engaging. The bass is sub-bass focused—tight, textured, never boomy—with punchy but restrained mid-bass; quality over quantity, delivering standout rumble and definition (A+ bass quality). Mids are the highlight: clean, forward vocals with natural timbre and strong separation. Lower treble adds clarity without sibilance, while the elevated upper air brings sparkle and space; it can read a touch crisp for sensitive listeners, especially on bright masters or at high volume.

Technicalities impress: excellent imaging, open width, and resolution that surfaces micro-details and locks centers convincingly. Versus Kiwi Ears K4, Astral trades K4’s warmer, fuller mid-bass for tighter bass, clearer vocals, and more air; versus Xenns Tea Pro, Astral offers better bass texture and cleaner, more forward vocals; against ZiiGaat Odyssey, Astral is the more resolving and airy set, while Odyssey feels fuller and more relaxed with tamer upper treble. Recommended for those wanting a detailed all-rounder, Meta-leaning balance, forward mids, and textured sub-bass; not for upper-treble-sensitive listeners or those craving heavy mid-bass and warmth. Final verdict: 4/5, competitive and confidently recommended at its price.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

The Kiwi Ears Astral arrives in a package typical for the brand, featuring a resin shell and a metal nozzle. While the design isn't groundbreaking, the build feels sturdy. The included cable is a pleasant surprise, better than expected and features interchangeable terminations. A major highlight is the inclusion of Sancai ear tips, considered valuable accessories at this price point. However, the fit presents some challenges: the shells are notably bulky and chunky, pushing comfort limits for larger ears, and the angled cable hooks can cause sealing issues, though switching to larger tips helps significantly.

Sonically, the Astral delivers a solid bass and mid-range balance. Yet, the standout issue is the treble presentation. It's perceived as quite forward and adds a noticeable digital edginess to the timbre, making details sound overly prominent and somewhat unnatural. While technical performance seems improved over models like the original Wan'er, this treble character overshadows the positives. Initial impressions suggest it falls short of previous Kiwi Ears releases like the Quartet or Singolo, with even the Lush potentially being preferred. The Sancai tips and overall package offer good value, but the tuning needs refinement.

Tim Tuned original ranking

Kiwi Ears KE4 is a $200 hybrid (2DD+2BA) that showcases the so-called “new meta” tuning—more body in the lower mids and a calmer lower treble versus the Harman Target. Packaging is simple: a pocketable case and bespoke silicone tips (usable, though even shorter tips can improve comfort). The cable handles well but feels a bit thin/kinky with heat-shrink earhooks, and the shells look plain, prototype-like. Fit is secure and comfy with a semi-custom shape, albeit a touch thick, so they can protrude from the ear.

Sonically, KE4 delivers a warm, low-contrast midrange that makes vocals sound natural and well-placed, with a pleasant mid-treble “frothiness” adding texture. Bass quantity leans on the mid-bass, but quality is the weak spot—soft/bloomy and a bit poofy, lacking density and punch, which can dull drive on bass-heavy tracks. Imaging is decent, treble is safe and balanced (not sharp or dark), and overall technicalities are respectable without chasing wow-factor.

Against peers: Truthear Hexa mirrors the new-meta mids with tighter, better-controlled bass; AFUL Explorer is more engaging with tighter slam and slightly crisper treble; the Harman-leaning Binary Chopin brings the best bass attack. KE4 is a strong choice for vocal-first listening and a clear example of the new meta, but the bass bloom can hold it back across a broad library. Verdict: a very solid 4/5 stars.

Super* Review original ranking

Kiwi Ears KE4 drops at $199 and comes across as the best-tuned Kiwi Ears yet. Unlike the Orchestra Lite with its sub-bass roll-off or the budget Cadenza that skews a bit dark, this set keeps the sub-bass present and tight. Compared to the Dolce (energetic with more mid-bass) and the Quintet (politer bass, lighter upper-mids/late treble), KE4 adds more slam while smartly tucking the mid-bass so vocals stay clean. It’s a tuning that both looks right on the graph and lines up with real-music listening across hip-hop/R&B, rock, and acoustic cuts.

Low-end tests—808 drops and bass-guitar lines—hit clean and natural, and kick-drum transients keep their body instead of drying out. Female vocals get clarity without mid-bass haze, while male vocals avoid thinning—nicely balanced through the mids. The treble is managed with some late-treble roll-off, avoiding glare while preserving harmonic bite for guitars and cymbals over longer sessions. Net result: no qualifiers, no obvious weak spot, and performance that competes hard at $199. Easy recommendation and a frontrunner for the brand’s lineup to date.

Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking