Kiwi Ears Ardor

Are you an audiophile who craves high-fidelity sound, but also demands the freedom and convenience of cutting-edge wireless technology? Do you dream of an immersive listening experience that cuts out the world around you, even when you’re on the move? Today, I’m taking a proper look at a pair of headphones designed to meet those exact needs: the Kiwi Ears Ardor.

In a market saturated with wireless audio gear, it can be tough to find a product that genuinely stands out, especially for discerning listeners.

Many headphones offer either great sound or fantastic features, but rarely both in equal measure, or with true wireless freedom.

The Kiwi Ears Ardor, however, promises to combine premium audio performance with advanced connectivity and active noise cancellation, aiming to be the ideal choice for demanding users on the go.

I’m particularly keen to explore how its dual dynamic drivers deliver on the promise of rich, detailed sound, and how effectively its hybrid ANC technology truly silences external distractions.

A good pair of headphones can elevate everything from your daily commute to intense gaming sessions.

I’m eager to see if the Ardor lives up to its ambitious claims.

Right then, let’s jump into the full review and see exactly how these Kiwi Ears Ardor Wireless Headphones perform in real-world use!

Packaging and Contents.

The Kiwi Ears Ardor Wireless Headphones typically arrive in a thoughtfully designed and compact cardboard box.

The packaging usually highlights the premium nature of the product with attractive visuals and key feature call-outs, setting a promising tone for what’s inside.

The box itself has a muted and practical design.

The box measures 20.5cm x 24.0cm x 7.0cm and weighs 913g.

Inside the box, you’ll typically find the following essential items:

• Kiwi Ears Ardor Wireless Headphones
• USB-C Charging Cable
• 3.5mm Audio Cable (for passive wired listening)
• User Manual/Quick Start Guide
• Carrying Pouch/Case (The included case is sturdy and offers good protection)

The included USB-C charging cable measures approximately 120.0cm in length, and the 3.5mm audio cable measures approximately 128.0g.

The headphones are primarily constructed from a lightweight plastic.

While this might give them a somewhat hollow or “budget” feel compared to headphones with more premium materials, they generally feel well-made and robust for their price.

The matte finish helps resist fingerprints.

High-Fidelity Sound & Audiophile Tuning.

For any audiophile, sound quality is paramount, and the Kiwi Ears Ardor is engineered to deliver a truly captivating audio experience.

Featuring a coaxial dual dynamic driver setup, the Ardor utilises a 40mm dynamic driver for rich bass and clear mids complemented by a 10mm dynamic driver for detailed treble.

This configuration ensures a comprehensive and balanced sound profile.

The Ardor is crafted with audiophile tuning standards in mind, following the renowned Harman target reference for optimal sound.

Its bass is deep and powerful, providing impactful lows, but it’s quickly limited in the midrange to avoid any bloat, ensuring a clean and precise foundation.

Vocals and instruments typically come through with notable clarity, though some others find the midrange can be a touch thin or lacking in body on certain tracks.

The treble is tuned to align with the perceived human hearing curve, delivering a comfortable and precise listening experience, though a slight boost around 7kHz can make it sound a bit “pokey” or “bright” on some specific recordings.

Spacious Soundstage.

With its balanced and natural sound signature, the Ardor exemplifies Kiwi Ears’ dedication to achieving the perfect tonal balance, providing a truly immersive and enjoyable audio experience.

Beyond the tonal balance, the Ardor boasts a spacious soundstage.

This means the sound isn’t just coming directly into your ears; it feels as though instruments and sounds are positioned around you, creating a wider, more three-dimensional listening environment.

This spaciousness significantly enhances your overall listening experience, making music feel more lifelike and engaging.

The headphones can also get plenty loud without distorting the sound, and they respond well to volume changes.

It’s worth noting that the Ardor supports SBC and AAC audio codecs for Bluetooth streaming.

While AAC provides good quality for most everyday listening, audiophiles seeking the highest fidelity wireless experience might miss the inclusion of higher-resolution codecs like LDAC or aptX HD.

Advanced Hybrid ANC Technology.

One of the standout features of the Kiwi Ears Ardor is its advanced hybrid ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) system.

This technology is designed to significantly reduce external distractions, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in your audio.

The Ardor boasts an impressive ability to cut down unwanted noise with a noise reduction depth of -32dB±3dB, reaching up to 35dB.

The ANC performance is remarkably effective, creating an exceptionally quiet environment where virtually no background noise can be heard.

This level of noise reduction is highly effective for cutting out low-frequency rumbles from trains, buses, and aircraft, or simply seeking a quiet oasis in a bustling office or home environment.

The system achieves this impressive performance by using a precise 5-microphone array.

These microphones efficiently detect and neutralise ambient sounds before they reach your ears.

For audiophiles who prioritise an uninterrupted environment for high-quality audio, this ensures a truly quiet and immersive experience.

While the ANC is very effective for its price point, there are no ANC modes or fine-tuning options, as there is no companion app.

Some users may experience a slight pressure when ANC is active, though this often subsides with use.

ANC can also work in the wired mode, adding to its versatility.

Connectivity & Controls.

The Kiwi Ears Ardor utilises Bluetrum Bluetooth 5.4 technology, providing cutting-edge wireless connectivity that ensures a highly stable and efficient connection.

This latest Bluetooth standard is excellent for stability and energy efficiency.

Crucially, it provides ultra-low latency, making these headphones perfect for seamless video watching and immersive gaming experiences.

While some competitive gamers might still notice a minuscule delay on certain Android or Windows devices compared to a wired connection, for most casual gaming and all video content, the audio-visual synchronisation is excellent.

Bluetooth Range.

With an impressive 8-10m signal range, you can enjoy high-quality audio without interruption, even if you step away from your device momentarily.

This robust range offers greater freedom of movement within your home or office.

Furthermore, the Ardor supports simultaneous connections to two devices a fantastic feature for multitasking.

You can, for instance, seamlessly switch between listening to music on your laptop and taking a call on your phone without needing to manually disconnect and reconnect.

In addition to wireless capabilities, the Ardor also offers USB connectivity for high-resolution music playback.

With its built-in DAC/AMP chipset, it ensures exceptional sound fidelity when connected directly to Apple, Android, or Windows devices.

Whether you prefer the flexibility of wireless or the precision and potential higher resolution of wired connections, the Ardor delivers uncompromised audio quality in every mode.

A standard 3.5mm AUX cable is also included for passive wired listening.

Control is managed via physical buttons located on the earcups.

These include buttons for power, volume control, and cycling through ANC, normal, and transparency modes.

The on-ear buttons are easy to use and accurate, providing satisfying tactile feedback.

The on/off and mode change prompts are delivered by a softly spoken female voice, providing clear announcements without the harshness of older Bluetooth devices.

While generally responsive, some others find the volume steps to be a little too large, preferring to adjust volume directly from their source device for more granular control.

There is no proximity sensor, meaning media will not automatically pause when the headphones are removed.

Epic Playtime & Fast Charging.

Battery life is a critical factor for wireless headphones, especially for those who spend long hours listening or travelling.

The Ardor is designed for extensive use, equipped with a 1100mAh high-capacity battery.

This delivers truly impressive playback times: up to 140 hours with ANC off, and still a monumental 72 hours with ANC on.

This battery longevity virtually eliminates battery anxiety, making the Ardor a true companion for long journeys, extended work periods, or simply continuous listening without worry.

When you finally do need to top up, the Ardor supports fast-charging capabilities.

If you’re in a rush, a quick 10-minute charge gives you an impressive 8 hours of playback, ensuring that your music experience continues without interruptions.

The combination of colossal battery life and rapid recharging makes the Ardor exceptionally convenient for all-day listening, catering to the demands of modern, on-the-go lifestyles.

Comfort, Portability & Spatial Audio.

Crafted for portability and comfort, the Ardor boasts a foldable, lightweight design that easily fits into your backpack.

This makes it incredibly convenient for travel, commutes, or simply carrying it with you wherever your music takes you.

The soft vegan-leather ear pads ensure long-lasting comfort, allowing you to enjoy hours of music without discomfort.

While generally comfortable for extended periods, some users with larger ears may find the earcups to be just barely big enough.

Also, the vegan-leather can become sticky in hot and humid climates.

Adding a truly modern dimension to your audio, the Ardor also includes spatial audio support.

This feature allows you to immerse yourself in a realistic, three-dimensional soundstage.

This enhances your audio experience, making it feel as though the sound is coming from all around you, just like in a live performance or cinematic environment.

Whether you’re enjoying music, gaming, or watching movies, spatial audio brings a new level of immersion and depth to your sound.

This mode is typically activated via a button press, such as quickly pressing the power button three times.

Technical Specifications.

• Brand: Kiwi Ears
• Model: Ardor Wireless Headphones
• EAN: 6975485163271
• ASIN: ‎B0DT8Z47RX
• Bluetooth Version: 5.4
• Driver Type: Dynamic 40mm + 10mm (Coaxial)
• Audio Codecs: SBC, AAC
• Noise Cancellation: Hybrid ANC,
• Noise reduction depth: -32dB±dB
• ANC Microphones: 5-microphone array
• Spatial Audio Support: Yes
• Battery Capacity: 1100mAh
• Playback Time: 72 hours (ANC on), 140 hours (ANC off)
• Fast Charging: 10 mins = 8 hours playback
• Impedance: $32\Omega \pm 10\%$ @1K Hz
• Sensitivity: 100dB±3dB
• Wireless Range: 8-10m
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40kHz
• Simultaneous Connection: Yes (2 devices)
• Wired Connectivity: 3.5mm AUX and USB-C (with built-in DAC/AMP)
• Design: Lightweight, foldable
• Ear Pads: Vegan-leather
  Weight: 287g
  Dimensions (Folded): 16.0cm x 18.0cm x 8.0cm
• Charging Port Type: USB-C
• Compliance: CE, FCC, RoHs

A Versatile Audio Companion.

The Kiwi Ears Ardor Wireless Headphones truly position themselves as a versatile audio companion, capable of seamlessly integrating into various aspects of your daily life.

Their exceptional sound quality, delivered by dual dynamic drivers and further enhanced by the wired USB-C DAC/AMP option, caters to audiophiles who refuse to compromise on audio fidelity, even when wireless.

The powerful hybrid ANC makes them indispensable for commuters, travellers, or anyone seeking a moment of quiet concentration in a busy environment.

Furthermore, the cutting-edge Bluetooth 5.4 with ultra-low latency ensures a flawless experience for gamers and binge-watchers, where audio-visual synchronisation is paramount.

The monumental 140-hour battery life means they’re always ready, no matter how long your flight or workday, while the comfortable, foldable design makes them the perfect travel partner.

With spatial audio adding another layer of immersion, the Ardor is engineered to enhance every listening scenario, offering a premium and adaptable solution for modern audio needs.

Final Thoughts.

Having put the Kiwi Ears Ardor Wireless Headphones through their paces, I’m genuinely, thoroughly impressed by the comprehensive and high-quality package they offer, especially considering their price point.

They deliver on all their promises: a rich, detailed, and spacious sound profile that can be further enhanced via wired USB-C, remarkably effective hybrid ANC that truly silences the world around you, and cutting-edge wireless connectivity that offers both stability and ultra-low latency.

The epic 1100mAh battery providing up to 140 hours of playback (or 72 with ANC) is a game-changer, practically eliminating charging anxiety, and the fast-charging capability ensures minimal downtime.

Beyond the technical prowess, the lightweight, foldable design and comfortable vegan-leather ear pads make them a joy to wear for extended periods and incredibly portable.

While there are some minor quibbles, such as the basic Bluetooth codecs, lack of a companion app, or slight nuances in build feel, these are generally outweighed by the Ardor’s core strengths.

For anyone seeking a feature-rich wireless headphone experience that prioritises sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, and ultimate convenience for diverse uses like commuting, gaming, or simply relaxing, the Kiwi Ears Ardor are an outstanding, highly recommended choice.

They genuinely feel like a top-tier product that delivers immense value for money.

Pros and Cons.

After spending time with the Kiwi Ears Ardor Wireless Headphones, here’s a quick rundown of their key strengths and any points you might want to consider:

Pros

• High-Fidelity Audio: Coaxial dual dynamic drivers (40mm + 10mm) deliver rich, balanced sound with clear mids, detailed treble, and impactful, controlled bass. Tuned to Harman target.
• Enhanced Wired Sound: Built-in DAC/AMP via USB-C provides a significant jump in audio quality for high-resolution playback on Apple, Android, and Windows devices.
• Exceptional Hybrid ANC: Very effective at eliminating background noise (noise reduction depth -32dB±3dB), creating an immersive, distraction-free environment. ANC can also work in wired mode.
• Easy and Accurate Physical Controls: On-ear buttons are responsive and straightforward to use for power, volume, and ANC/transparency modes.
• Pleasant Voice Prompts: Features a softly spoken female voice for on/off and mode changes, which is clear and non-intrusive.
• Cutting-Edge Bluetooth 5.4: Ensures ultra-low latency for seamless video and gaming, and a stable 8-10m signal range.
• Dual-Device Connectivity: Supports simultaneous connections to two devices for easy multitasking.
• Exceptional Battery Life: 1100mAh battery provides up to 140 hours (ANC off) and 72 hours (ANC on) of playback.
• Rapid Fast-Charging: A 10-minute charge provides 8 hours of playback.
• Ultimate Comfort & Portability: Lightweight, foldable design with plush vegan-leather ear pads for long-wearing comfort and easy transport. Easily fits into backpacks.
• Spatial Audio Support: Creates a realistic, three-dimensional soundstage for enhanced immersion in music, games, and movies.
• Includes Wired Cables: Comes with both USB-C and 3.5mm audio cables for versatile wired listening options.

Cons

• Limited Bluetooth Codecs: Only supports SBC and AAC, lacking higher-resolution codecs like LDAC or aptX HD that audiophiles might expect.
• No Companion App / EQ: Lack of a dedicated app means no software EQ customisation or fine-tuning of ANC modes.
• Volume Step Size: Volume adjustments via buttons can sometimes be too large, requiring finer control from the source device.
• No Proximity Sensor: Media does not automatically pause when headphones are removed.
• Build Quality Feel: While generally robust, the plastic construction can have a somewhat hollow feel, and some units may exhibit minor creaking in joints.
• ANC Pressure (Potential): Some users may experience a slight pressure when ANC is active.
• Comfort Nuances: Earcups might be a snug fit for larger ears, and vegan-leather can feel warm in hot and humid climates after extended periods.
• Case Fit: Headphones can require some fiddling to sit perfectly in the included case.
• Sound Profile Quirks: Midrange can be thin on some tracks, and treble can be “pokey” due to a 7kHz boost on certain recordings.

Kiwi Ears Ardor Wireless ANC Headphones

If you’d like to purchase this item, please check out the purchasing options below. The RRP for this product is £98.99

Product sample provided by Kiwi Ears in exchange for a detailed, unbiased review.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. If you’d like to add a comment or thought on this post, please use the comments section below. I can also be contacted via the online contact form. Keep up to date with the latest news on social media.