The Kiwi Ears Ardor is a wireless ANC headphone priced at $99 USD, offering a dual-driver setup (40mm + 10mm), hybrid ANC, Bluetooth 5.4, and both USB-C and 3.5mm wired connectivity. While Kiwi Ears is better known for its in-ear monitors, the Ardor represents their first step into the full-sized headphone space—and it’s a compelling debut.

After using the Ardor daily for over a month, we’re impressed with how much it delivers in terms of comfort, sound quality, and especially battery life. While it has some limitations, particularly in codec support, the overall value here is exceptional.

Unboxing & Accessories

In the box, Kiwi Ears includes a hardshell travel case, a USB-C to USB-C charging/audio cable, a 3.5mm auxiliary cable, and a user manual. The travel case is well-built and spacious, easily accommodating the headphones and included accessories.

Design & Comfort

The Ardor is constructed primarily of plastic with a metal-reinforced headband. The finish doesn’t feel cheap; in fact, it looks more premium than its price suggests. The synthetic leather covering on the earcups and headband adds a refined touch.

At 325g, the Ardor is surprisingly lightweight for its size. The earcups swivel and fold for better portability. The plush ear pads offer excellent comfort even during extended listening sessions. We tested them while wearing glasses and did not encounter any loss in sound quality or discomfort.

The only design drawback is the loose headband adjusters, which lack markers—making it harder to achieve a symmetrical fit.

Controls & Interface

Controls are distributed across both earcups. The left side houses the ANC switch and USB-C port, while the right side includes the power/play-pause button, volume controls, and the 3.5mm input. The buttons are tactile and intuitive, and we appreciated the use of physical buttons over touch-sensitive surfaces.

There’s no companion app, which means no EQ or ANC customization. However, this also means there’s no overcomplicated software to deal with—what you get out of the box is what you use.

Connectivity

The Ardor supports three modes of connection:

Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC and AAC codec support
USB-C for both audio and charging (up to 24-bit/96kHz)
3.5mm wired (ANC still works in this mode, but transparency mode is disabled)

Pairing is straightforward, and switching between modes is seamless. However, we found the lack of LDAC or aptX support disappointing, especially for a headphone targeted at audiophiles.

ANC & Transparency Mode

The hybrid ANC is effective, especially in eliminating low-frequency rumbles. While not at the level of Sony or Bose, it’s quite competitive considering the price point. Passive isolation is also strong, and we didn’t notice any loss in audio fidelity when ANC was enabled.

Transparency mode allows ambient sound in and is surprisingly natural. It can’t be adjusted, but the default balance between music and external noise was well-judged. Some faint white noise is noticeable when no audio is playing, but it’s not intrusive.

Battery Life

Battery life is arguably the standout feature. Kiwi Ears claims up to 140 hours of playback with ANC off and 72 hours with ANC on. In our usage over six weeks of regular listening, the battery level dropped only to around 80%. A 10-minute quick charge yields roughly 8 hours of playback—making the Ardor a reliable option for travel and long commutes.

Sound Quality

Despite using only SBC and AAC codecs, the Ardor delivers impressive audio quality—especially when used over USB-C or 3.5mm with a good DAC/amp. The tuning feels consistent across connection modes, a testament to Kiwi Ears’ focus on physical rather than digital EQ tuning.

Tonal Balance

The overall tuning leans towards a mild V-shape:

Bass is impactful but not overwhelming. Sub-bass reaches deep, and mid-bass is tight and punchy.
Mids are slightly recessed and can sound a bit thin, especially in vocals and instruments. However, they maintain good clarity and timbre.
Treble is airy with decent extension. There’s a peak around 7kHz that can sound a little sharp on certain tracks but is generally well-controlled.

Soundstage & Imaging

The Ardor has a wider soundstage than many headphones in this price range. Imaging and positional accuracy are strong, though not on a holographic level. Detail retrieval is respectable, but the AAC codec does limit technical performance compared to higher-res wired listening.

Performance by Mode

Bluetooth: Great for casual listening; some latency when watching videos, acceptable for non-competitive games.
USB-C: Best balance of resolution and convenience.
3.5mm: Best performance when powered on and paired with a capable DAC/amp. Passive mode lacks bass impact.

Comparison

vs Kiwi Ears Aventus
The Aventus, aimed more at DJs, offers slightly better technical performance and volume output, but the Ardor wins on design, comfort, battery life, and tuning consistency across modes.

Final Verdict

The Kiwi Ears Ardor is a standout in the sub-$100 ANC Bluetooth headphone category. Its combination of comfort, battery life, and sound quality makes it one of the best value options on the market. While it lacks LDAC support and has some minor quirks with button mapping and headband adjustment, those are easy to overlook given its strengths.

If you’re in the market for an affordable, comfortable, and well-tuned pair of wireless ANC headphones for daily use, the Ardor should be high on your list.

Also Read: Kiwi Ears Aventus Review