Kiwi Ears Astral Review: A $300 Meta-Tuned All-Rounder You Shouldn’t Ignore
The sub-$300 IEM market is more competitive than ever, and Kiwi Ears just dropped a serious contender: the Kiwi Ears Astral. Packing a 7-driver hybrid configuration (1 dynamic + 6 balanced armatures), a modular cable, and tuning that rides the line between “fun” and “studio”, the Astral stands out in 2025 as one of the most versatile daily drivers for audiophiles and newcomers alike.
Kiwi Ears Astral
🧪 Specs at a Glance
- Driver Configuration: 1 DD + 6 BA (Hybrid)
- Tuning Style: Neutral with sub-bass emphasis (meta-style)
- Cable: Modular 3.5mm + 4.4mm (two tips included)
- Shell Material: Medical-grade resin (semi-custom shape)
- Accessories: Zippered case, tips, extra filters, modular connectors
- Price: $299 USD
Kiwi Ears Astral accessories
🎧 Sound Impressions
🔊 Bass: Sub-Bass Focused, Textured & Tight
Expect deep, visceral sub-bass rumble—especially noticeable on tracks like Mountains by Hans Zimmer or Angel by Massive Attack. The mid-bass is present but leaner than sets like the Mangird Tea Pro or Kiwi Ears KE4. While bassheads may crave more slam, audiophiles will appreciate the tightness, texture, and control.
🎤 Mids: Clean, Clear & Vocal-Focused
Both male and female vocals sound natural and forward, with excellent layering and instrument separation. Tracks like Let’s Dance by David Bowie and The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia showcase a balance of clarity and body that rarely gets shouty.
Strengths:
- Clear vocal separation
- Forward presence without harshness
- Balanced instrument tonality
🔔 Treble: Airy, Extended—but Potentially Fatiguing
Treble heads will enjoy the sparkle and air in the upper registers. However, sensitive ears may find the upper treble slightly crisp at high volumes or with bright recordings. There’s no sibilance or peakiness in the lower treble, making it a safe choice for long listening sessions—just avoid extreme volume levels.
🧠 Technical Performance
The Astral’s resolution is standout for the price. Imaging is pin-point accurate, with excellent stereo width and decent depth. Complex tracks like Stranglehold and Waltz for Debbie sound immersive and detailed. It’s not quite Aful Performer 7 levels of detail, but it’s a class above many $200–$250 competitors.
🎨 Build, Fit & Comfort
- Shells: Resin, semi-custom, available in blue (more praised) and gold (less favored)
- Fit: Comfortable for medium to large ears, but small-eared users may struggle
- Weight: ~5g per side
- Nozzle: Short but secure; holds tips well
Despite a chunkier size, the Astral is very comfortable for long sessions. No driver flex or pressure build-up was reported. The included tips are decent, but aftermarket options like SpinFit W1 or CP145 might offer better stability.
🧩 Comparisons
| IEM | Summary |
|---|---|
| Kiwi Ears KE4 | The Astral is a clear upgrade with tighter bass and better vocals. |
| Dunu Da Vinci | Da Vinci is more exciting but less refined. Astral is more controlled. |
| Mangird Tea Pro | Tea Pro is bassier but less resolving. Astral has better imaging & mids. |
| SoftEars Volume S | More neutral and “correct” sounding; Astral is livelier and more fun. |
| Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk | Slightly better overall but $100 more. Astral is a “mini Dusk”. |
| Aful Performer 7 | Trades blows. P7 is darker and richer; Astral more open and vocal-forward. |
✅ Who Should Buy the Kiwi Ears Astral?
Recommended For:
- Anyone seeking a balanced IEM with excellent technicalities
- Listeners who enjoy vocal-forward presentations
- Fans of sub-bass over mid-bass
- People upgrading from KE4, Defiant, EW300, or Hexa
Not Recommended For:
- Treble-sensitive listeners (due to upper air emphasis)
- Those who prefer mid-bass slam over sub-bass
- Users with very small ears
🛒 Final Verdict: Is the Kiwi Ears Astral Worth It?
✅ Absolutely. The Kiwi Ears Astral is a benchmark in the $300 range. It’s refined, detailed, comfortable, and trades blows with higher-priced competitors. While it may not satisfy extreme bassheads or micro-detail purists, it checks almost every box for most listeners.
⭐ Final Rating: 4.5/5
The best all-rounder IEM under $300 in 2025 (so far)
🛍️ Where to Buy
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