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Klipsch Reference S4i Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£90
Avg. price in US: ~$100
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Klipsch Reference S4i review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.1

Good

5.5

Good

8.2

Excellent

3.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
2.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
10
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
5.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
5.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
10
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

Verdict

The Klipsch Reference S4i is a high-performance in-ear headset featuring 8.5mm dual neodymium magnet drivers that deliver a wide frequency response of 10Hz to 19kHz with a sensitivity of 110dB and 18 ohms impedance. Key characteristics include patented oval silicone ear tips designed for superior comfort and passive noise isolation, alongside a 360-degree microphone and a three-button remote for seamless iOS control. Its main pros are the balanced, detailed sound with deep bass and an exceptionally lightweight design (11.9g) that remains comfortable for extended use. However, notable cons include a thin cable that is prone to tangling and potential durability issues, a straight 3.5mm jack that can be vulnerable to breakage in pockets, and a tendency for the treble to sound slightly harsh or sibilant at higher volumes.

Technical Specifications of Klipsch Reference S4i

Overall score

6.1

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

4.5

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

9.0

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?

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Connectivity

6.2

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

7.3

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

8.3

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Klipsch

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Klipsch Reference S4i vs the average headphone

Why is Klipsch Reference S4i better than the average headphone?

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94.5% lower weight
Klipsch Reference S4i is lighter than the average headphone (11.9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Klipsch Reference S4i is lighter than the average headphone (11.9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.11.9 g vs 218 g
EQ customization
Klipsch Reference S4i supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.
Importance: MEDIUM
Klipsch Reference S4i supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Clear call microphone
Klipsch Reference S4i offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.
Importance: MEDIUM
Klipsch Reference S4i offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Klipsch Reference S4i includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Klipsch Reference S4i includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Klipsch Reference S4i has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Klipsch Reference S4i has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
8 Hz lower bass extension
Klipsch Reference S4i has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Klipsch Reference S4i has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
On-device controls
Klipsch Reference S4i includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.
Importance: MEDIUM
Klipsch Reference S4i includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Klipsch Reference S4i includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Klipsch Reference S4i includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
94.5% lower weight
Klipsch Reference S4i is lighter than the average headphone (11.9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Klipsch Reference S4i has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Klipsch Reference S4i has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Klipsch Reference S4i includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Clear call microphone
Klipsch Reference S4i offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
On-device controls
Klipsch Reference S4i includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Klipsch Reference S4i includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Klipsch Reference S4i reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
Quick mic mute
Klipsch Reference S4i includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
EQ customization
Klipsch Reference S4i supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is Klipsch Reference S4i worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Klipsch Reference S4i has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
31.5 mm smaller driver size
Klipsch Reference S4i has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
31.5 mm smaller driver size
Klipsch Reference S4i has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Klipsch Reference S4i has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.8.5 mm vs 40 mm
Fixed cable
Klipsch Reference S4i has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Klipsch Reference S4i has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.

Graphic comparison of Klipsch Reference S4i and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Klipsch Reference S4i?

Superior comfort thanks to patented oval ear tips that reduce ear fatigue
Excellent sound quality for the price with clear mids and crisp highs
Strong bass response that is punchy without being overwhelming
Effective passive noise isolation when a proper seal is achieved
Reliable three-button remote and high-quality microphone for clear calls
Extremely lightweight design makes them feel almost weightless in the ear

What customers dislike about Klipsch Reference S4i?

Thin, fragile-feeling cables that are prone to tangling and long-term durability issues
Straight headphone jack design is more susceptible to strain and failure than L-shaped plugs
Microphonics (cable noise) can be irritating when the wire rubs against clothing
Limited compatibility as full remote functions are primarily designed for Apple devices
May require a 'burn-in' period to reach optimal sound performance
Achieving a perfect seal can be difficult for some users, leading to perceived lack of bass

Expert reviews

itsjustjustin.com

28/07/2009

Klipsch S4i headphone Review | It's Just Justin

The Klipsch Image S4i is an in-ear headphone designed specifically for Apple devices like the iPhone 3GS, utilizing a single-driver design that delivers a natural, flat sound response with powerful but restrained bass and rolled-off highs. A major standout feature is its outstanding comfort, driven by patent-pending contour gel ear-tips that create an excellent acoustic seal and...Read more

theabsolutesound.com

17/03/2011

Klipsch Image S4i Headset/In-Ear Headphone (Playback 28)

The Klipsch Image S4i ($99.95) brings audiophile-grade sound to Apple users, featuring a lightweight design with comfortable, patented oval ear tips and a fully functional three-button microphone/remote system. The headphones excel with a pure, transparent, and detailed acoustic signature that is both open and clear. Conversely, the S4i features a more standard build compared to...Read more

soundguys.com

12/03/2014

Klipsch Image S4A & S4i Review - SoundGuys

The SoundGuys review of the Klipsch Image S4a and S4i highlights these in-ear monitors for offering excellent price-to-performance value, characterized by clear, detailed high-end audio and a comfortable, secure fit from patented oval ear tips. While the design is praised for its comfort and aesthetic, the S4a model specifically suffers from inconsistent, unreliable inline remote...Read more

theheadphonelist.com

05/06/2013

Klipsch Image S4 / S4a / S4i Review - The Headphone List

The Klipsch Image S4 (along with its S4a and S4i variants) is a mid-range dynamic driver earphone that offers an average retail price of $60 to $100 depending on the integrated mic and remote configurations. It features a consumer-friendly sound signature characterized by heavy bass impact and clean midrange frequencies, though the low end can occasionally become boomy and bleed...Read more

reviewed.com

14/09/2012

Klipsch S4i Review - Reviewed

The Klipsch S4i is a highly popular, budget-friendly set of entry-level in-ear headphones designed primarily for smartphone use. The audio performance is notably impressive for the price, delivering an even frequency response with enhanced bass and minimal, completely inaudible distortion. The package includes practical accessories like four sizes of ear sleeves to optimize fit, a...Read more

connect.de

14/01/2011

Data Sheet and Short Review: Klipsch S4i. Would you also like to see some German reviews for the newer S4i II version, or are you strictly looking for...

The Klipsch S4i in-ear headphones, reviewed by Christine Tantschinez for connect, deliver a powerful audio performance with a highly favorable physical footprint. Weighing just 3.9 grams, these dynamic headphones feature an impedance of 19.5 Ohms and a high efficiency rating of 108.0 dB, making them easy to drive via a standard 3.5 mm jack connection. In terms of practical use, the...Read more

connect.de

14/01/2011

Review of the Klipsch S4i Headphones", "Klipsch S4i Headphones Review

The Klipsch S4i (€100) are in-ear headphones specifically designed for Apple devices, offering full control over music playback (play, stop, skip) and call management, including voice control for the iPhone 3GS. A key feature is the inclusion of voice-over functionality for the iPod Nano and Shuffle, allowing track titles to be announced aloud. The package includes four silicone ear...Read more

areadvd.de

01/02/2012

REVIEW: Klipsch Image S4i – High-Performance In-Ear Headphones

The Klipsch Image S4i is a highly capable In-Ear headphone tailored specifically for Apple devices like the iPhone 4S, offering excellent build quality, high wearing comfort, and effective ambient noise reduction at a fair retail price of 99 EUR. In practical testing, the integrated three-button cable remote and microphone delivered flawless functionality, allowing for seamless...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

04/03/2010

Review of the Klipsch Image S4i - Les Numériques", "Klipsch Image S4i: The Full Review - Clubic", "Review of the Klipsch Image S4i Earphones - Generat...

The Klipsch Image S4i is an iPhone-optimized version of the standard S4 in-ear headphones, earning a 4 out of 5-star rating for its impressive performance and functionality. The core strengths highlighted in the review include its clean, neutral sound signature and bright highs that avoid becoming harsh or aggressive. Additionally, the lightweight, 11.9-gram earphones offer...Read more

tweakers.net

26/02/2014

Klipsch Image S4i White, Black - Geronnimo87 - Product reviews

The Klipsch Image S4i (White/Black) earphones are praised for delivering exceptional sound quality and effective passive noise isolation, making them an excellent choice for daily commuting. The reviewer, a musician of 13 years, highlights a warm midrange and a rich, prominent bass that remains controlled without distorting, which beautifully complements genres like classical music....Read more

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