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JLab JBuddies Studio vs Moondrop Old Fashioned: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Moondrop Old Fashioned comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 80. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Moondrop Old Fashioned - Outstanding overall at around $23.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Moondrop Old Fashioned leads on 3 of 5 measures.

  • JLab JBuddies Studio
  • Moondrop Old Fashioned
HearWiki score
64
80
Sound
5.0
7.2
Calls
5.0
-
Value
5.0
9.5
Price (USD)
$13
$23

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Moondrop Old Fashioned is 3 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • JBuddies Studio2023
  • Old Fashioned20263 yr newer

Specifications

JBuddies StudioOld Fashioned
Type
On-Ear
On-Ear
Price (USD)
$13
$23
HearWiki score
64
80
Released
2023
2026
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
3× 40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
3
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
-
109 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.2
-
Codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Wireless range
9 m
-
Battery life
24 h
-
Full charge time
180 min
-
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Controls
buttons
buttons
Weight
114 g
-
Water resistance
none
-
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
1
-

What reviewers said

JLab JBuddies Studio

The JLab JBuddies Studio are budget-friendly on-ear headphones designed with younger listeners in mind, featuring a durable build and soft cushions for comfort. They offer a long 24-hour battery life and support for multiple Bluetooth codecs, though their compact size may not suit older children. These wireless headphones prioritize simplicity and safety for kids, but lack active noise cancellation and water resistance.

  • Pro:Long 24-hour battery life
  • Pro:Durable build with soft cushions
  • Pro:Supports SBC, AAC, and aptX codecs
  • Con:Earcups may be too small for older kids
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No water resistance rating

Moondrop Old Fashioned

The Moondrop Old Fashioned is a budget-friendly, semi-open on-ear headphone with a triple 40mm dynamic driver setup that delivers clear, well-tuned sound with a focus on vocals. It's easy to drive and comfortable for casual listening, though its open design means noticeable sound leakage and a significant roll-off in sub-bass frequencies. Overall, it offers strong value for its price, especially for those who prioritize midrange clarity over deep bass.

  • Pro:Excellent tuning and vocal clarity for the price
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions
  • Pro:Easy to drive with any device thanks to high sensitivity
  • Con:Very limited sub-bass response with roll-off below 100 Hz
  • Con:Semi-open design leads to sound leakage and poor isolation
  • Con:Modest technical performance compared to pricier models

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

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New comparisonJLab JBuddies StudioMoondrop Old Fashioned