KBear has been around for quite a few years, operation primary in the budget friendly segment of the in-ear monitors market. They combine stylish designs and competitive pricing to attract both casual listeners and audiophiles on a budget. In this review, I’ll take a closer look at KB03 provided by KEEPHIFI. During this review, I will keep in mind that they are in the budget price range. I will compare them only to the previous model KB02

My test equipment:
– Shanling M8T
– Shanling UA6
– Campfire Relay dac

Tested Tracks:
Compay Segunda – Te Doy La Vida (from the Buena Vista Family)
Diana Krall – L-o-v-e
Herbert von Karajan – Ludwig van Beethoven 9 symphonies
HAEVN – One Day
Melody Gardot – There where he Lives
Eva Cassidy – Wade in the water Acoustic

The KB03 carries forward the dual‑driver architecture from the KB02, featuring a 10 mm beryllium‑plated dynamic driver and a bone conduction driver. This time, KBEAR has implemented some upgrades. The bone conduction driver is now more powerful, delivering stronger vibrations, resulting in a more tactile bass response with improved impact and depth. On top of that, a balanced armature driver has been added to refine the midrange and treble, bringing extra detail and clarity.

Fit and Tips
Just like with the KB02, the stock silicone tips don’t do the KB03 full justice. Achieving a proper seal with the included tips can be hit‑or‑miss and if you don’t get that seal, bass performance will suffer. I once again swapped them out for foam and better silicone tips for this review and the difference was remarkable. With the improved fit, isolation and tonal balance improved significantly. Upgrading eartips is still highly recommended.

Treble
The treble response has been improved over the KB02. Where the KB02 had a relaxed upper range with a gentle roll‑off, the KB03 extends further with a tad more sparkle and air while still avoiding harshness or sibilance. Vocals and instruments benefit from this extra detail, coming across as more lifelike and energetic. The added BA driver brings better layering and articulation, giving the treble more refinement without sacrificing smoothness.

Midrange
The midrange was already a strength of the KB02, the KB03 improves upon it. Vocals now carry more body and texture, with male vocals sounding deeper and more nuanced, while female vocals feel livelier and more open. The BA driver adds extra definition in the upper mids, creating a smoother transition into the treble and a more realistic presentation overall. It is not big difference, but an upgrade nonetheless.

Bass
The stronger bone conduction driver makes a clear difference here. Bass has more physicality, extending deeper. Sub‑bass notes are more textured and mid‑bass carries more weight. If you enjoyed the well-balanced KB02, you might find the bass on the KB03 occasionally less natural, something I didn’t experience with the KB02.  Ultimately, it comes down to taste. If you prefer deeper bass, go for the KB03. Otherwise, the KB02 might be the better fit.

Soundstage & Technicalities
Like the KB02, the KB03 offers a wide, airy stage with good note separation. The improvements in treble extension and midrange clarity gives the stage more room. Instrument placement is slightly more precise and layering is improved thanks to the BA driver. Bass hits deeper because of the upgraded drivers.

What’s in the Box
– A lightweight OFC cable
– A selection of silicone eartips
– Two nice polished shells

Conclusion
The KB03 is not a huge step up from the KB02, but still a meaningful refinement. The stronger bone conduction driver brings more impactful bass and the addition of a balanced armature gives mids and highs a new level of detail and smoothness.

Considering the build quality and the included accessoires, the overal sound experience of the The KB03 is a nice sounding budget friendly IEM.

Pros
– BA driver for richer mids and more detailed treble
– Smooth yet lively presentation
– Value for Money
– Bone conducter driver adds depth and impact
– Polished shells that look premium
– Lightweight, Flexible Cable

Cons
– Stock eartips holds it back; tip‑rolling is adviced
– Microdetail and ultimate layering are limited (but fair at its price point)
– Bone conductor can sound less natural than the KB02 (foam tips do help with that)