Short answer: the Kiwi Ears Ember. Both are rated 4.5/5 for sound quality (#88 and #73 of 450 in-ear headphones), and the Kiwi Ears Ember costs $135 against $159 for the Meze Alba, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
The case for the Meze Alba: Across 15 squig.link measurements it scores 79.7 for preference with a smooth 1.3 dB deviation. The catch: Presence around 3 to 6 kHz runs 1.5 dB low while the 10 to 16 kHz air band climbs about 4 dB, so the treble can sound a touch thin and sparkly on top of a warm midrange.
Buy the Kiwi Ears Ember. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $24 less than the Meze Alba.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kiwi Ears Ember | Meze Alba | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $135.00 | $159.00 |
| Ranked | #88 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #73 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 79 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 80 (median of 15 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.61 dB standard deviation | 1.30 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.03 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.48 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.0 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.2 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Hybrid (2 dynamic + 4 balanced armature) | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 1 x 6mm dynamic + 4 x balanced armature | 1 x 10.8mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 19 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB/mW | 109 dB SPL/mW |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 15Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Weight | - | 0 lbs (14 g) |
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- Meze Alba vs 7Hz Divine
- Dita Prelude vs Kiwi Ears Ember
- Kiwi Ears Ember vs Moondrop Starfield 2
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Kiwi Ears Ember: $135.00 Linsoul eBay
Full Kiwi Ears Ember review and specifications →
| Released | 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.61 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Hybrid (2 dynamic + 4 balanced armature) |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 1 x 6mm dynamic + 4 x balanced armature |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 79 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 19 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.03 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Meze Alba: $159.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Across 15 squig.link measurements it scores 79.7 for preference with a smooth 1.3 dB deviation. Sub-bass is right on target and the 60 to 200 Hz bass is lifted 1.7 dB, giving a warm, full bodied presentation for pop and rock. Sensitivity of 109 dB SPL/mW means a phone drives it loudly, and it weighs just 14 g.
Cons: Presence around 3 to 6 kHz runs 1.5 dB low while the 10 to 16 kHz air band climbs about 4 dB, so the treble can sound a touch thin and sparkly on top of a warm midrange. The Shuoer S12 and Final Audio A4000 share its rating for less money.
Full Meze Alba review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.30 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10.8mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 80 (median of 15 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 109 dB SPL/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.2 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.48 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (14 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons