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JLab Neon Wireless 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 4 of 6 measures.

  • JLab Neon Wireless
  • Moondrop Old Fashioned
HearWiki score
59
80
Sound
5.5
7.2
Battery
3.8
-
Calls
4.8
-
Value
6.0
9.5
Price (USD)
$29
$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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Neon Wireless2020
  • Old Fashioned20266 yr newer

Specifications

Neon WirelessOld Fashioned
Type
On-Ear
On-Ear
Price (USD)
$29
$23
HearWiki score
59
80
Released
2020
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
110 dB/mW
109 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.0
-
Codecs
SBC, AAC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Latency
200 ms
-
Wireless range
9 m
-
Battery life
13 h
-
Full charge time
120 min
-
Quick charge
10 min → 1 h
-
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
No
-
Custom EQ
Yes
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
Yes
-
Weight
135 g
-
Water resistance
none
-
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
No
No
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
1
-

What reviewers said

JLab Neon Wireless

The JLab Neon Wireless is an affordable on-ear option that delivers solid sound and comfort for its price point. With a lightweight 135g build, 13-hour battery life, and customizable EQ via buttons, it's a practical pick for budget-conscious listeners. However, it lacks noise cancellation and multipoint connectivity, and its build can feel a bit bulky for some.

  • Pro:Great value for the price
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for extended use
  • Pro:Decent battery life at 13 hours
  • Con:Max volume may not be loud enough for some
  • Con:Bluetooth pairing can be inconsistent
  • Con:Bulky on-ear design

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

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonJLab Neon WirelessMoondrop Old Fashioned