The Kiwi Ears Dolce is an entry-level in-ear monitor priced at just $24.99, designed for those who want a stylish, comfortable, and enjoyable everyday listening experience without breaking the bank. Featuring a single 10mm dynamic driver with a custom LDP diaphragm, the Dolce delivers a lively sound signature and offers great value for its price point.
Design & Build Quality
The Dolce features lightweight, medical-grade resin shells that are both durable and comfortable for long listening sessions. The 3D-printed body has a semi-transparent tint, allowing you to see the driver inside, while the faceplates carry an attractive gradient finish from blue to black.
In the ear, the Dolce feels snug and fatigue-free, making it suitable for extended use. Passive noise isolation is average but effective enough for daily commuting or casual listening.
The included cable is a detachable 0.78mm 2-pin high-purity OCC copper unit with QDC connectors. While functional and tangle-resistant, it feels fairly basic compared to more premium aftermarket cables. Thankfully, the detachable design makes it easy to upgrade if desired. Three sizes of silicone ear tips are provided, ensuring a comfortable fit.
Sound Quality
The Kiwi Ears Dolce has a slight V-shaped tuning that balances musicality and detail. It’s efficient enough to be driven directly from a phone, but pairing it with a portable DAC/Amp will bring out the best performance.
Bass
The bass response is one of Dolce’s highlights. It’s punchy with good extension into the sub-bass, providing depth and texture without overwhelming the mids. Mid-bass carries a touch of warmth, making it suitable for modern pop, EDM, and hip-hop. While not tuned for bass-heads, it strikes a pleasing balance that feels natural.
Midrange
The mids are clear and reasonably forward, carrying both male and female vocals with good richness and body. Instruments are well-rendered, though there is occasional congestion in busy mixes. Vocals remain natural and engaging, making the Dolce enjoyable across multiple genres.
Treble
The treble is energetic and airy, adding sparkle and detail to the sound. While there can be traces of sibilance on poorly recorded tracks, it’s generally well-controlled and never harsh. Cymbals and high-frequency instruments come through with good crispness, adding excitement to the overall presentation.
Soundstage & Technical Performance
Soundstage is slightly wider than average for this price segment, with decent depth and imaging that helps prevent the sound from feeling flat. Instrument separation and detail retrieval are solid, though not on par with higher-priced IEMs. Still, at this budget level, performance is impressive.
Everyday Use
We found the Dolce to be comfortable for hours of listening, with a secure fit that works well for commuting, casual work setups, or everyday carry. Its efficiency means you don’t need expensive gear to enjoy it, and the detachable cable adds longevity.
Verdict
The Kiwi Ears Dolce is an excellent entry-level IEM that combines style, comfort, and enjoyable sound in a budget-friendly package. With its slightly V-shaped tuning, lively bass, and clear mids, it’s versatile enough for a wide range of genres. While the cable and accessories are minimal, the core performance makes it a standout option under $25.
For those looking to explore the world of IEMs without spending much, the Kiwi Ears Dolce is a great starting point—and a reminder of just how far budget audio has come.
