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KZ ES4 vs Moondrop CHU II: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the KZ ES4 vs Moondrop CHU II, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

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

Moondrop CHU II leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • KZ ES4
  • Moondrop CHU II
HearWiki score
-
75
Sound
-
7.4
Value
-
8.7
Price (USD)
$10
$19

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 CHU II is 4 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 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • ES42019
  • CHU II20234 yr newer

Specifications

ES4CHU II
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$10
$19
HearWiki score
Not scored
75
Released
2019
2023
Availability
Discontinued
Still sold new
Driver
1DD + 1BA hybrid
1DD
Driver type
hybrid
dynamic
Driver configuration
1DD + 1BA
1DD
Driver size
10 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
-
Impedance
25 Ω
18 Ω
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
20 g
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
Connector
3.5 mm
2-pin 0.78 mm

What reviewers said

KZ ES4

The KZ ES4 is a budget-friendly hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with a balanced armature to deliver a punchy, bass-forward sound with crisp treble. Its lightweight plastic build and detachable cable add practicality, while the wired 3.5mm connection keeps things simple for budget audiophiles.

  • Pro:Strong, impactful bass response
  • Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable design
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Plastic housing may feel less premium
  • Con:Bass-heavy tuning may overwhelm some genres

Moondrop CHU II

The Moondrop CHU II is a budget-friendly wired IEM that builds on its predecessor with a more comfortable fit, a detachable 2-pin cable, and a satisfyingly warm yet detailed sound signature. Its 10mm dynamic driver is easy to drive and offers strong performance per dollar, making it a solid entry point for newcomers, though its compact shell can feel slightly weighty and isolation is only average. The tuning leans toward fun with punchy bass, but the treble can occasionally edge into brightness on certain recordings, and the soundstage remains on the narrower side.

  • Pro:Comfortable and improved fit over the original
  • Pro:Removable 0.78mm 2-pin cable adds longevity
  • Pro:Engaging bass-forward tuning with good detail
  • Con:Treble can become bright or harsh on some tracks
  • Con:Soundstage is relatively narrow
  • Con:Slightly heavy build for an IEM

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 comparisonKZ ES4Moondrop CHU II