Kiwi Ears Belle: In-ear monitor with 10 mm DLC drivers, hi-fi cable and high wearing comfort for around 30 euros in the test. With the Belle, Kiwi Ears aims to deliver a real price-performance tip among in-ear monitors (IEMs for short) and puts together an absolutely well-rounded package for just under 30 euros. Our test reveals more.
Technical data
| The product | Kiwi Ears Belle |
| Driver construction | 10 mm DLC driver |
| Impedance | 32 Ohm |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB |
| Connection | 3.5 mm |
| Cable plug | 0.78 mm, 2-pin |
| Cable length | 150 mm |
| Ear tips | 6 × pair of silicone ear tips (S/M/L, black and transparent) |
| price | LINSOUL Kiwi Ears Belle 10 mm DLC Dynamischer Treiber In-Ear-Monitor,HiFi Kabel Ohrhörer mit Zwei versilberten Kabeln,IEM für Bühnenauftritte/Gaming/Musikproduktion (Ohne MIC, Silber)* |
Kiwi Ears Belle test: design and workmanship
The Kiwi Ears Belle leave a thoroughly professional impression as soon as they are unpacked, which clearly leaves the low price of around 30 euros behind. The IEM housings combine lightweight resin with CNC-machined metal faceplates, which not only creates an appealing aesthetic, but also increases robustness in everyday use. This mix of materials is rare in this price range and gives the Belle a noticeable solidity without appearing clunky. The shape is simple and functional, inconspicuous rather than extravagant, which is well suited to everyday use: Whether you’re on the move, in the office or commuting, the Belle have an unexcited, serious look and are universally usable.
Another plus is the detachable cable technology with 0.78 mm 2-pin connection: The Belle are available with a classic 3.5 mm jack cable, each with silver-plated copper conductor material, which is intended to reduce signal loss and ensure cleaner transmission. Although the cable is not the highest quality on the market, it serves its purpose well and can be easily replaced if necessary. However, it is a little thin and can cause noise if it rubs against clothing.
Overall, the Belle’s design impresses with its clear, unobtrusive lines and a quality that you wouldn’t necessarily expect from ultra-budget IEMs. The combination of metal faceplates and ergonomic shape in particular ensures that the Belle cuts a fine figure both aesthetically and practically in many everyday situations.
Scope of delivery of the Kiwi Ears Belle
When it comes to the scope of delivery, the Kiwi Ears Belle are pleasingly complete for their price range. The package includes not only the IEM units themselves, but also several pairs of silicone ear tips in different sizes. Six, divided into small, medium and large variants. This selection makes it relatively easy to achieve a good seal and therefore optimum sound and isolation, which is often the decisive factor for the listening experience, especially with in-ears.
One annoying aspect, however, is that changing the ear tips is very fiddly, as the attachment on the IEMs is thicker than the cover of the ear tips. So it’s quite a fiddly job here.
There is also an optional 3.5 mm jack cable as a detachable version with good plug quality. What is striking is that a transport box or case is unfortunately not included as standard. Although this is not uncommon for budget IEMs, it does detract from the impression, as a case protects the earphones on the go and makes them more travel-friendly. Nevertheless, the overall package is very practical and clearly surpasses the features of many competitors in the price range.
Kiwi Ears Belle test: Wearing comfort
For me, the wearing comfort is one of the highlights of the Kiwi Ears Belle. The compact and lightweight design adapts well to the ear without pinching or becoming uncomfortable when worn for long periods. The ergonomically contoured resin shells in particular sit comfortably in the ear and appear almost “invisible” once they are in place. This is a point that is often neglected with inexpensive IEMs, but is really well solved here.
The included silicone ear tips contribute greatly to the comfort: The softer versions in particular create a good seal and feel comfortable, even over several hours of listening to music or podcasts. During my sessions, I noticed that there was no pressure in the ear canal and no signs of fatigue, even after prolonged use. Even when commuting or flexing my head, the Belle are surprisingly stable and secure.
The only minor criticism of the cable: despite the option to detach it, it exhibits some microphonics, i.e. cable noise when moving, which slightly impairs comfort when jogging or during strenuous exercise. However, this can be avoided by using alternative cables with better shielding. Overall, however, the Belle are very suitable for everyday use and are surprisingly comfortable for listeners in this class.
Sound quality of the Kiwi Ears Belle in the test
The sound quality of the Kiwi Ears Belle is one of the biggest surprises considering the low price. And that is to be understood in an absolutely positive way. Based on the 10 mm DLC Dynamic Driver (a driver with a Diamond-Like carbon diaphragm), the Belle delivers a tonally balanced, warm and musical sound that pleasantly represents many genres. This makes the Belle an attractive option not only for monitoring, but also for everyday music enjoyment.
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Bass and mids
The bass range of the Belle is fully present and shows deep, powerful sub and mid-bass reproduction, which gives songs from pop, hip-hop and EDM a nice energy. The bass tones have weight and create a noticeable foundation without being completely muddy. Although they are not ultra-precise like more expensive multi-driver IEMs, they are surprisingly punchy and pleasant for this class.
The mids, on the other hand, are pleasantly warm and slightly rear-mixed, which speaks for a more “musical” and less analytical sound. Voices appear natural and present, and male vocals in particular benefit from this tuning with a pleasant, fuller sound. With very complex tracks, however, it can happen that details shift a little, but this rarely bothers you in everyday life.
Treble and performance
The treble is soft and avoids aggressive peaks or sibilance. This makes the Belle sound suitable for longer listening sessions, as it does not tire. At the same time, the upper frequency range lacks a little “air” and brilliance, which detail-oriented listeners might miss.
From a technical point of view, the Belle demonstrates a solid balance of detail, spatiality and imaging for its price level. The sound stage is not huge, but wide enough for a pleasant listening experience and the localization of individual elements is surprisingly good. This technical balance makes the Belle suitable for everyday use for music as well as gaming and multimedia applications. The sound always remains pleasant, even if it is not as high-resolution as much more expensive IEMs.
Kiwi Ears Belle Review: Conclusion
The Kiwi Ears Belle surprised me positively in the test. In the overall package, the Belle offers an astonishingly coherent overall picture for an ultra-budget IEM around the 30 euro mark. A well thought-out, robust design, a practical scope of delivery, high wearing comfort and a well-balanced, warm signature sound, which is rarely achieved so well in this class.
If you are looking for a music-oriented and pleasant sound that is also fun to listen to for long hours, the Belle are absolutely the right choice. However, if you want to discover every last nuance of the music or are very analytically minded, you might find what you’re looking for in higher-quality sets. But for everyday and entry-level listeners, the Belle offer excellent value for money and are worth a clear recommendation.
- Outstanding price-performance ratio
- Very good sound
- Elegant design
- Convincing comfort
- Changing the ear tips is fiddly
- Sound not quite neutral
Kiwi Ears Belle
Workmanship
Wearing comfort
Sound quality
Features
Value For Money
91/100
The Belle delivers an impressive sound and a high level of comfort at an extremely attractive price.
