Wired IEMs
KZ AS16 Pro
66Good
$75
Full review dataKZ AS16 Pro 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.
KZ AS16 Pro
Sound6.5
Value7.0
Moondrop Aria
Sound8.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | KZ AS16 Pro | Moondrop Aria |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $75 | $116 |
| HearWiki score | 66 / 100 · Good | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2024 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 8 balanced armatures per side | 10 mm LCP liquid crystal polymer dynamic driver |
| Driver size | - | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 16 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-40kHz | 5Hz-36kHz |
| Impedance | 18 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 114 dB/mW | 122 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | none |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | No |
| Custom EQ | No | No |
| Wear detection | No | No |
| Controls | none | none |
| Voice assistant | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 60 g | 12 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Calls | ||
| Call noise reduction | none | - |
What reviewers said
KZ AS16 Pro
The KZ AS16 Pro is a budget-friendly in-ear monitor that packs eight balanced armature drivers per side, delivering a bass-forward yet balanced sound with good detail and passive isolation. It's easy to drive thanks to its low impedance and high sensitivity, though its treble extension is somewhat rolled off and the large shells may not suit everyone. While not a groundbreaking release, it offers solid value for those seeking a capable all-BA setup at an affordable price.
- Pro:Strong bass response with good control
- Pro:Excellent passive isolation
- Pro:Easy to drive with high sensitivity
- Con:Treble can sound dull and rolled off
- Con:Bulky shells may be uncomfortable for some
- Con:Cable quality is mediocre
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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