Wired IEMs
Hidizs Mermaid MS2
74Good
$89
Full review dataHidizs Mermaid MS2 vs Moondrop Aria: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Moondrop Aria comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Moondrop Aria - Great overall at around $116.
Wired IEMs
Moondrop Aria
82Great
$116
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Hidizs Mermaid MS2
Sound7.5
Value8.0
Moondrop Aria
Sound8.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Hidizs Mermaid MS2 | Moondrop Aria |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $89 | $116 |
| HearWiki score | 74 / 100 · Good | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2021 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Knowles33518 + 10.2mm Large Dynamic Driver | 10 mm LCP liquid crystal polymer dynamic driver |
| Driver size | 10.2 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-40kHz | 5Hz-36kHz |
| Impedance | 18 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 112 dB/mW | 122 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | none |
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 10 g | 12 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | No |
What reviewers said
Hidizs Mermaid MS2
The Hidizs Mermaid MS2 is a budget-friendly hybrid IEM that pairs a balanced armature with a 10.2mm dynamic driver for a coherent, detailed sound. Its W-shaped tuning brings energy to pop and electronic tracks, though the treble can be assertive for sensitive ears. With a lightweight resin shell and detachable cable, it offers solid value for those seeking an engaging, reference-leaning listen under $100.
- Pro:Engaging, detailed hybrid sound
- Pro:Lightweight resin shell with detachable cable
- Pro:Good value for the price
- Con:Treble may be too bright for some
- Con:Tuning not universally flattering
- Con:No noise cancellation or wireless option
Moondrop Aria
The Moondrop Aria is a wired in-ear monitor that delivers a balanced, neutral-leaning sound with a touch of warmth and extra bass punch, making it a strong performer for its price. It's easy to drive from most devices thanks to its high sensitivity and 32-ohm impedance, and it offers solid build quality with a removable 2-pin cable. However, it lacks features like noise cancellation and controls, and its isolation is only average, so it's not ideal for noisy commutes.
- Pro:Excellent tonal balance with natural midrange timbre
- Pro:High sensitivity makes it easy to drive from phones
- Pro:Solid build quality with removable 2-pin cable
- Con:Average isolation, not suited for loud environments
- Con:Cable is prone to tangling and transmits some noise
- Con:No inline controls or microphone
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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