Wired IEMs
KZ ZST
68Good
$10
Full review dataKZ ZST 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.
KZ ZST
Sound6.5
Value8.0
Moondrop JIU
Sound7.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | KZ ZST | Moondrop JIU |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $10 | $19 |
| HearWiki score | 68 / 100 · Good | 74 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2018 | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Hybrid: 10mm dynamic + 30095 balanced armature | 10mm High-performance Dynamic Driver |
| Driver size | 10 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 10Hz-35kHz |
| Impedance | 12 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 120 dB/mW | 110 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | No (optional Bluetooth module supported) | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 22 g | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | No |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 1 |
| Call noise reduction | - | DSP microphone |
What reviewers said
KZ ZST
The KZ ZST is a budget-friendly hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with a balanced armature for a lively, bass-forward sound. It offers solid low-end punch and good detail retrieval for the price, but its uneven treble and slightly recessed mids can make some vocals and instruments sound harsh or distant. With a detachable cable and lightweight build, it's a decent entry-level option for bass lovers, though comfort and build quality are only average.
- Pro:Strong, punchy bass response
- Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement or upgrades
- Pro:Very affordable for a hybrid driver setup
- Con:Treble can come across as piercing or harsh at times
- Con:Mids are somewhat recessed, pushing vocals back in the mix
- Con:Fit may not be ideal for long listening sessions
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.
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