The Kiwi Ears AIROSO is an IEM that features one custom dynamic driver and four balanced armature drivers. The build quality is premium, with a lightweight and comfortable profile. I have been using them for a couple of days, testing them with many different songs and audio profiles. In this review, I will share my experience with their comfort, audio quality, and whether they are truly worth the $130 price tag.
What’s in the Box
- The carrying case
- Kiwi Ears AIROSO in-ear monitors
- 1.2m detachable cable with a 2.5mm TRS connector
- Three pairs of silicone ear tips (white, black, and gray) in different sizes
- A user manual
That is everything included in the box.
Design & Build Quality
The Kiwi Ears AIROSO features a two-part shell design. The main body is made of a smooth, polished black resin that’s ergonomically shaped to fit comfortably in your ear. The faceplate is a distinct element crafted from a CNC aluminum alloy with a titanium finish, giving it a premium, textured metallic look.
The faceplate has a semi-reflective, silver-gray surface with a sandblasted appearance. Running vertically down the center is a black rectangular inset with the “Kiwi Ears” logo in a contrasting white or silver text. Below the logo, you can see a small vent or acoustic opening that’s crucial for sound quality. The overall design is sleek and modern, combining a lightweight, comfortable shell with a durable and stylish metal faceplate.
The included carrying case also feels premium, from its material to the zipper. It’s solid and well-made. I really like the design of the short case; it doesn’t feel bulky at all.
Comfort & Fit
In terms of comfort, I’ve been wearing and using them for a couple of days and haven’t noticed their weight. Each earbud weighs only 12g, so they feel incredibly light, and my ears don’t feel any frustration or strain. They fit my ears properly, but one thing to note is that they are a little larger compared to some other IEMs in this price range, like the EarFun EH1000. However, their lightweight nature makes this a fair compromise. I’ve truly enjoyed listening to music on them.
Audio Quality
The Kiwi Ears AIROSO features a hybrid driver setup with four balanced armature drivers and one custom dynamic driver. I’ve listened to many songs across different genres and sound profiles, and the audio quality is consistently clear and crisp, with no distortion or jittery sounds.
The bass is amazing, complemented by excellent treble. Even when listening at full volume, the sound remains stable with no throttling, and I haven’t experienced any listening fatigue. In my experience, I am very happy with the audio quality. I also listened to some tracks with Dolby Audio, and they sounded exceptionally good.
Detachable Cable
The Kiwi Ears AIROSO comes with a 1.2m detachable cable featuring a 2.5mm TRS connector, which is a key design choice with several advantages. The black cable has a great feel and build quality.
The detachable design is a significant benefit. Cables are often the most fragile part of any headphone or IEM, and they are susceptible to damage from daily use, accidental snags, or wear and tear. With a detachable cable, if the original one gets damaged or lost, you don’t have to replace the entire set of earbuds. You can simply purchase a new cable, which saves you money and extends the life of your investment.
Final Thought
The Kiwi Ears AIROSO is an excellent entry point for anyone starting their audiophile journey. It’s a lightweight IEM with a powerful hybrid driver setup, featuring four balanced armature drivers and one custom dynamic driver. This combination provides a great sound quality with a dynamic and versatile sound profile that handles various genres exceptionally well.
While the earbuds might look a little bigger than some competitors, they don’t compromise on comfort. Their lightweight design ensures they fit snugly and comfortably, allowing for long listening sessions without fatigue. You also get a variety of silicone ear tips in the box to ensure you find the perfect fit.
Considering all these impressive sound, solid build, and comfortable design the $130 price point is more than justified. The Kiwi Ears AIROSO is a solid investment and a fantastic way to begin your audiophile journey.