Are you looking for that elusive “studio-grade” sound without having to mortgage your house to get it? Do you want a pair of open-back headphones that feel like pillows on your ears, even after a five-hour session?
Today, I’m taking a proper look at the Kiwi Ears Ellipse, a budget-friendly open-back headphone designed to bring the acoustics of floorstanding speakers directly to your ears.
Kiwi Ears has been on a bit of a winning streak lately with their in-ear monitors, but moving into full-sized over-ear territory is a big move.
Many budget open-backs tend to feel a bit flimsy or sound “thin” and lacking in soul.
The Ellipse, however, aims to challenge the heavy hitters by offering a 50mm dynamic driver setup and a build that punches well above its price tag.
I’m particularly interested to see if these can really deliver that lifelike, stereo speaker experience they promise, and how those custom composite diaphragms handle the depth and clarity required for serious listening.
Right then, let’s jump into the full review and see if the Kiwi Ears Ellipse is the new king of budget open-backs!
Packaging and Contents.
The Kiwi Ears Ellipse arrives in a clean, professional box that skips the flashy marketing in favour of a more serious audio equipment feel.
It is clear from the start that the focus here is on the hardware.
Inside the box, you will find:
- 1x Pair of Kiwi Ears Ellipse Headphones
- 1x 3-Metre Detachable Cable
- 1x 3.5mm to 6.35mm (1/4 inch) Adapter
- 1x User Manual
The inclusion of a 3-metre cable is a clear nod to home and studio use.
While it is quite long for portable use, the detachable design means you can easily swap it for a shorter lead if you are using a desk DAC or moving around the house.
Design and Industrial Craftsmanship.
The standout feature of the Ellipse is the lightweight, ergonomic build.
At just 0.28kg, these are remarkably easy on the head.
The headband is padded with thick vegan leather, ensuring a secure fit without that annoying “hot spot” pressure on the crown of your head during extended use.
The open-back design allows for significant airflow to the drivers, which is essential for that broad, natural soundstage.
The vegan leather earpads are specially crafted not just for plush comfort, but to actually enhance the bass response, something that open-back headphones often struggle with.
Everything about the design suggests longevity.
The detachable cable system means you can replace the lead if it ever gets damaged, and the overall construction feels stable and well-engineered for a daily-driver headphone.
Sound Signature and Performance.
Looking at the internal hardware, the Ellipse features a premium 50mm dynamic driver with custom-made PU and PEK composite diaphragms.
This is enhanced by an ultra-pure copper ring, a CCAW high-tension voice coil, and strong N42 high-performance magnets.
The real magic here is the “floorstanding speaker” tuning.
The lows provide a deep rumble and impactful punch that feels visceral, while the low-mids offer a rich warmth with accurate tonality that remains free from bloat.
It is a very immersive experience that feels more like sitting in front of high-end monitors than wearing headphones.
The treble is calibrated to match the natural acoustics of the human ear, mirroring the tonal balance of quality stereo speakers.
Because of the open-back nature, the treble feels airy and clear without becoming piercing.
It creates a wider, lifelike soundstage that makes your music feel more “alive” and spacious.
Whether you are listening to complex orchestral pieces or simple acoustic tracks, the Ellipse maintains exceptional clarity and balanced tonality across all frequencies.
It is a tuning profile clearly designed for listeners who want to relax and fully immerse themselves in the music.
Technical Specifications.
- Model: Kiwi Ears Ellipse
- Driver Unit: 50mm Dynamic (Custom PU + PEK Composite)
- Impedance: 32 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 98dB ± 3dB
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20KHz
- Plug: 3.5mm with 6.35mm (1/4 inch) Adapter
- Cable Length: 3m (Detachable)
- Net Weight: 0.28kg
Conclusion.
Having spent some quality time with the Kiwi Ears Ellipse, I am genuinely impressed by how much “Hi-Fi” sound they have managed to pack into a budget-friendly package.
They offer a level of comfort that is often missing in this price category, paired with a sound signature that is musical, detailed, and incredibly spacious.
The combination of the 50mm custom driver and the open-back acoustics delivers a performance that genuinely feels more like a speaker setup than a standard pair of headphones.
The build is lightweight yet durable, and the vegan leather finishes feel premium against the skin.
If you are an audiophile seeking a studio-quality listening experience with floorstanding speaker-like tuning, the Kiwi Ears Ellipse is a fantastic, highly recommended choice.
Pros and Cons.
Pros
- Floorstanding Speaker Tuning: Delivers a natural, immersive stereo experience.
- Premium Driver Tech: 50mm custom PU/PEK diaphragms for exceptional clarity.
- All-Day Comfort: Lightweight 280g build with plush vegan leather padding.
- Open-Back Airiness: Creates a wide, spacious soundstage with deeper lows.
- Hi-Fi Versatility: Detachable cable and 1/4 inch adapter for broad compatibility.
- Longevity: Replaceable cable design ensures the headphones last for years.
Cons
- Sound Leakage: As an open-back design, everyone around you will hear your music.
- Cable Length: The 3m cable is perfect for the studio but a bit long for mobile use.
If you’d like to purchase this item, please check out the purchasing options below.
The RRP for this product is approximately £51.73.
Kiwi Ears Website | Amazon | eBay |
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.