Thieaudio has become a prominent name in the IEM world over the past few years. From their Origin to Monarch series, they’ve consistently produced popular and well-regarded products. The Hype lineup, however, seems to have received a more mixed reception, at least based on online impressions. Within that series, the Hype 4 appears to be the standout choice, especially when considering price. The jump from the Hype 2 ($300) to the Hype 4 ($400) feels reasonable, while the leap to the Hype 10 ($900) is significantly steeper. This pricing structure seems quite intentional.

At $400, the Hype 4 isn’t cheap, but compared to its siblings, it starts to feel like a fair middle ground. For context, this is my first Thieaudio product—so let’s see what all the “hype” is about.

If you’re a fan of larger IEMs, the Hype 4 will feel right at home—it’s a chonker. I opted for the white version, and I must say, it really does look like a piece of jewelry. I’ve even received compliments on the design. Build quality is solid, with no major concerns, and it checks all the right boxes in terms of fit and finish. It also uses a standard 2-pin connector, which is always appreciated.

The packaging is impressive and contributes to a satisfying unboxing experience. The included carrying case is substantial but far more practical and portable than the one bundled with the Mega5EST. The cable is decent as well—comfortable around the ears and visually appealing. It also comes with a decent assortment of tips to choose from.

the Hype 4 uses Six drivers per side:

• Two “Impact2” dynamic drivers
• Four balanced armature drivers

As mentioned earlier, these are massive. Easily the largest IEMs I’ve ever used. They protrude quite a bit from the ears, so if a low-profile fit is important to you, be aware. That said, they’re surprisingly comfortable. Despite their size, I had no trouble achieving a secure fit and wearing them for extended periods. Personally, I find them more comfortable than the SuperMix4, though not quite as easy to wear as the Mega5EST or the tiny IE200.

Bass is where the Hype 4 makes a strong first impression. It hits hard and offers deep, physical slam that can be really enjoyable—depending on the track. On bass-heavy songs, it adds a sense of fun and intensity, but on others, it can feel like a touch too much. For me, this is about the upper limit of what I find enjoyable in bass tuning. It never feels bloated or out of control, but it’s definitely elevated. You’ll see this reflected in measurements—everything below 200Hz sits well above the Harman target. If you love strong bass impact, this IEM won’t disappoint.

The midrange here will likely appeal to many. It closely follows the Harman target up to around 2.8kHz, after which it dips from 3k to 5k—a scoop that continues into the treble. Personally, I enjoy this type of tuning. I’ve always found the Harman upper mids to be a bit too forward, so the dip here adds welcome smoothness. Vocals are clear and nicely positioned—not recessed, not shouty. However, the elevated bass can sometimes overshadow midrange detail, depending on the track. It’s not a dealbreaker, and I usually EQ that down slightly when needed.

This is the most divisive part of the tuning. While the bass can be easily adjusted with EQ, the treble is trickier. For my ears, the Hype 4 can be a bit too hot at times. It’s not as sharp or sibilant as something like the SuperMix4, but it can still cross the line on certain tracks. High-pitched “S” sounds in particular can get piercing at louder volumes. Interestingly, this doesn’t always show up clearly on frequency response graphs—most of the peaks appear to be in the air region—but something about the treble character comes through more aggressively than expected. I’m not alone in this observation; friends I’ve let demo them had similar feedback. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to watch for depending on your treble sensitivity.

As with most IEMs, soundstage is hard to assess definitively. To my ears, the Hype 4 sounds perfectly fine in this regard—neither especially wide nor narrow. It doesn’t stand out, but it doesn’t disappoint either. As always, I find soundstage far more noticeable in headphones and speakers (obviously) than in IEMs. As long as it doesn’t feel cramped, I’m happy!

The Hype 4 is a fun, capable IEM with a tuning that many will enjoy. Those who prefer elevated bass and don’t mind a bit of upper treble bite may even prefer it to the more restrained Mega5EST. It’s often described as having a “fun” tuning, and I think that’s a fair assessment. You get strong low-end impact, crisp upper mids, and a vibrant treble presentation that pushes energy and excitement.

At $400, it isn’t a budget pick, but for a Thieaudio product, it feels like a decent value—especially compared to their kilobuck offerings. I haven’t tried their other models, but this one left a good impression. With a bit of EQ, it becomes even easier option to recommend.

I covered this comparison in my Mega5EST review, but to reiterate: the Mega5EST remains the superior IEM for me. That said, many people see the Hype 4 as the more “fun” option, and I agree. If you find the Mega5EST too boring—maybe the bass feels too lean or the treble a bit dark—the Hype 4 could be a better match. But overall, I find the Mega5EST to offer a more balanced and versatile experience.

Winner: Hisenior Mega5EST

If you’re a Harman fan, the SuperMix4 might be your pick. For me, though, the Hype 4 pulls ahead. The SuperMix4 sounds even brighter to my ears and ends up being more fatiguing. I also appreciate the slight scoop in the 3k–6k region on the Hype 4, which fits my preferences better.

Winner: Thieaudio Hype 4

The IE200 is a solid budget IEM, but against the Hype 4, it falls a bit short in my opinion. While I prefer the IE200’s more restrained bass, I find its upper midrange and lower treble to be overly recessed. The Hype 4, while still scooped in that region, maintains more presence and clarity. Additionally, I find the Hype 4 easier to EQ to my personal taste. The IE200 is extremely comfortable due to its tiny shell, and that’s a win on the ergonomic front. But purely from a sound perspective, I’d reach for the Hype 4 more often.

Winner: Thieaudio Hype 4

• Drivers: 4 Balanced Armatures + 2 Dynamic Drivers
• Impedance 17 Ohm
• Sensitivity105dB (±1dB) @1kHz
• Frequency Response Range10Hz-22kHz