Kiwi Ears has mostly been known for its IEMs, but recently, the brand has stepped into the full-size headphone space. It’s an interesting move, and one that comes with the promise of the same careful tuning philosophy they’ve built their reputation on. The Altruva is marketed as a budget studio monitor, so I was curious to see how well it handles the role. It’s priced at $69 USD.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Linsoul for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
Kiwi Ears Altruva
Specification
Driver Unit: 50mm Dynamic Driver
Impedance: 32Ω
Sensitivity: 98dB ± 3dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40kHz
Plug: 3.5mm + 6.35mm adapter
Cable Length: 3m
Inside the Box
- Kiwi Ears Altruva x1
- 3.5 mm to 6.35mm adapter x1
- Protein Leather Headphone pads x1 pair
- Velvet Headphone pads x1 pair
- User manual x1
Design
Altruva is lightweight but well-constructed. The headphones are built around a spring steel headband with a mix of metal and plastic. The earcups are plastic and come in two colourways: grey and faux wood. They don’t give off a premium feel in the hand, but they do feel robust and are free of creaks or squeaks.
A self-adjusting headband and light clamping force combined with plush earpads mean the Altruva are very comfortable to wear, and I have clocked in many long sessions with them already. It’s the kind of fit that disappears once you start listening.
Sound
Sources used for testing include the SMSL RAW-MDA1, iBasso DX180 and Cayin RU6. The Altruva is easy to drive, so you don’t need a powerful amplifier to enjoy them. Just a smartphone or basic dongle DAC will get these up and running.
While I wouldn’t call the Altruva’s sound signature “reference neutral”, they are reasonably uncoloured and could be used for basic content creation or mixing. They’re slightly on the warmer side of neutral but have a natural timbre.
The bass is impressive for an open-back headphone—powerful but not overbearing. Sub-bass notes have a satisfying rumble and the mid-bass has enough punch to drive the music with rhythm.
The Altruva’s midrange is smooth and inviting, yet still has ample clarity and articulation. It sounds fairly spacious, despite its underlying warmth. Vocals and instruments are full-bodied but not overly thick or bloated. While it’s not the most forward midrange, it strikes a good balance by keeping things natural and easy to listen to over long sessions.
The treble is smooth and well-extended, offering a level of refinement rarely found in the sub-$100 price category. While it doesn’t sparkle or shine, it’s free of any harsh or dissonant peaks and won’t give you listener fatigue. The only pain you’ll feel is from a poor music selection.
Verdict
The Kiwi Ears Altruva is the best headphones I’ve heard from the brand to date. Honestly, I genuinely enjoy using these headphones and I’ve continued to use them as a daily driver long after I finished with critical listening for this review. They combine a decent and comfortable build with a sound signature that is both engaging and easy to listen to. The warm yet airy presentation, along with a surprising amount of bass presence for an open-back design, makes them an overachiever in the budget category.
For their excellent comfort and well-balanced sound, the Altruva gets my hearty recommendation. It’s a genuine winner for anyone looking for great value and performance without spending a fortune.
