The Kiwi Ears Ellipse is a budget-friendly open-back headphone priced at around $60, designed for monitoring, mixing, or casual listening. Featuring a 50mm dynamic driver, semi-open cups, and a detachable 3-meter cable, it takes inspiration from classic studio headphones while keeping comfort and affordability in focus. After spending time with them as our daily drivers, here’s what we found.

Packaging

1x Kiwi Ears Ellipse
1x Headphone Cable
1x User Manual
1x 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter

Design & Build Quality

The Ellipse has a straightforward, professional design with clear influences from studio staples like the Beyerdynamic DT series. The ear cups are semi-open with a woven mesh back that reflects light in a vinyl-like pattern, giving them a subtle but stylish look.

Build quality is solid for the price: the cups are plastic but reinforced with metal yokes, and the headband has adequate padding for long sessions. The included ear pads are soft and plush, large enough to comfortably fit most ears. While the clamping force is initially a bit firm, the headband can be adjusted and breaks in with use, making these easy to wear for several hours at a time.

At 3 meters, the braided cable is clearly designed with studio use in mind. It terminates in a standard 3.5mm jack with a screw-on 6.35mm adapter included, and being detachable, it can easily be swapped for aftermarket cables. The only drawback is its length, which feels excessive for desktop use, though perfect for mixing setups.

Comfort & Usability

We found the Ellipse to be very comfortable during extended sessions. The ear pads do not use memory foam but still provide a pleasant cushion, and the lightweight design prevents fatigue. As with most open-backs, noise isolation is minimal, and sound leakage is noticeable, so they’re best suited for quiet environments.

Driving the Ellipse requires a bit more power than typical consumer headphones. While they can run off some dongles and laptops, they perform much better with a dedicated DAC/amp or audio interface. Underpowered sources result in a sluggish bass response and glassy mids, but with proper amplification, the sound opens up significantly.

Sound Quality

Kiwi Ears tuned the Ellipse towards a neutral and balanced presentation with a hint of warmth, making them well-suited for both critical listening and casual enjoyment.

Bass: The emphasis is on the mid-bass, offering punch and impact without overwhelming the mix. Sub-bass extension is present but restrained, so these are not for bassheads. The bass is tight, controlled, and blends smoothly into the mids.
Midrange: Vocals and instruments come through naturally with good note density and detail. The mids avoid sounding recessed or shouty, striking a balance that works well across genres.
Treble: The treble is relaxed but clear, offering detail without harshness. It lacks some sparkle compared to brighter headphones, but this makes the Ellipse suitable for long listening sessions without fatigue.
Soundstage & Imaging: The stage is intimate rather than expansive, with accurate layering and positioning. While not the widest for an open-back, it avoids sounding artificial and maintains natural depth.

Overall, the tuning is cohesive and refined, with no one frequency band dominating the others. Detail retrieval is strong for this price point, and tonal accuracy is commendable for budget studio headphones.

Verdict

The Kiwi Ears Ellipse offers a compelling package for its price point. With its comfortable fit, neutral tuning, and solid build, it’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious creators, hobbyist mixers, or anyone wanting a reliable pair of open-backs without overspending.

That said, the Ellipse is not ideal for noisy environments due to its open-back design, and it benefits from proper amplification to perform at its best. But if you’re after a well-balanced, studio-style headphone at an affordable price, the Ellipse is one of the strongest options currently available.

Also Read: Kiwi Ears Forteza Review: Style Meets Sound