
JLab Neon Wired vs Moondrop Old Fashioned: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Moondrop Old Fashioned comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 72. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | JLab Neon Wired | Moondrop Old Fashioned |
|---|---|---|
| Type | On-Ear | On-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $16 | $25 |
| HearWiki score | 58 / 100 · Average | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2013 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 40mm Three-layer Rigid-flex Composite Diaphragm |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Driver size | 40mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz to 20kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | - | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 109 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Controls | buttons | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 135 g | - |
| Water resistance | Not water resistant | - |
| Foldable | Yes | - |
| Detachable cable | No | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | - |
| Microphone | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
JLab Neon Wired
The JLab Neon Wired is an affordable on-ear headphone that focuses on straightforward wired listening and easy portability. It offers a lightweight, foldable design with 40mm drivers for decent everyday sound, but build quality and long-term durability are not its strongest points. Ideal for budget-conscious users who want a simple, no-frills audio solution.
- Pro:Very affordable price point
- Pro:Lightweight and foldable for easy travel
- Pro:Simple plug-and-play wired connectivity
- Con:Plastic build may feel less durable over time
- Con:Fit can be inconsistent for some users
- Con:No water resistance or extra features like ANC
Moondrop Old Fashioned
The Moondrop Old Fashioned is a budget-friendly, wired on-ear headphone with a semi-open design that delivers clear, well-balanced sound, especially for vocals. Its lightweight comfort and easy drivability make it a practical pick, though its open-back nature means noticeable sound leakage and limited isolation. The main sonic compromise is a lack of deep sub-bass, but for the price, it offers impressive tuning and musicality.
- Pro:Exceptionally well-tuned sound for an open on-ear
- Pro:Comfortable and lightweight for long listening sessions
- Pro:Easy to drive with any device
- Con:Significant sound leakage due to open design
- Con:Very little sub-bass below 100 Hz
- Con:Limited isolation, not suited for noisy environments
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.
