Wired IEMs
JLab Metal Earbuds Black
58Average
$15
Full review dataJLab Metal Earbuds Black vs Moondrop JIU: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Moondrop JIU comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 74. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Moondrop JIU - Good overall at around $19.
Wired IEMs
Moondrop JIU
74Good
$19
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
JLab Metal Earbuds Black
Sound5.0
Value7.0
Moondrop JIU
Sound7.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | JLab Metal Earbuds Black | Moondrop JIU |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $15 | $19 |
| HearWiki score | 58 / 100 · Average | 74 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2017 | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 10mm High-performance Dynamic Driver |
| Driver size | 8 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 10Hz-35kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 110 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 4.1 | - |
| Codecs | SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 h | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Water resistance | IP55 | - |
| Detachable cable | - | No |
| USB-C | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 1 |
| Call noise reduction | - | DSP microphone |
What reviewers said
JLab Metal Earbuds Black
These budget-friendly wireless earbuds offer a sturdy metal construction and a secure fit, making them a reliable choice for everyday listening. With IP55 water resistance and a compact 8mm driver, they deliver decent sound for casual use, though the battery life is modest and the connection relies on older Bluetooth 4.1 technology.
- Pro:Durable metal housing
- Pro:IP55 water resistance
- Pro:Compact and lightweight
- Con:Short 6-hour battery life
- Con:Only SBC codec support
- Con:No multipoint connection
Moondrop JIU
The Moondrop JIU is an affordable wired USB-C earphone that delivers surprisingly polished sound for its price, with a well-tuned dynamic driver and a DSP microphone for calls. It's a sensible pick for casual listeners who value simplicity, though its non-detachable cable and occasionally bright treble may deter some. Overall, it offers solid value within the still-narrow field of DSP-equipped budget IEMs.
- Pro:Excellent tuning for the price
- Pro:Good technical performance for a budget model
- Pro:USB-C connectivity with DSP mic for clear calls
- Con:Treble can be overly bright for some
- Con:Fixed cable cannot be replaced
- Con:Not an elite technical performer
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.