Meze Audio Alba vs Moondrop Aria Snow Edition: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Meze Audio Alba comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 80. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Meze Audio Alba - Great overall at around $159.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

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

Meze Audio Alba leads on 3 of 4 measures.

Meze Audio Alba
Moondrop Aria Snow Edition

HearWiki score

Sound

8.2

7.5

Value

7.8

5.8

Price (USD)

$160

$80

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 Meze Audio Alba is 2 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.

Audio Alba20242 yr newer
Aria Snow Edition2022

Specifications

Audio AlbaAria Snow Edition

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $160; $80
HearWiki score: 80; 69
Released: 2024; 2022
Availability: Still sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 10.8 mm dynamic; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 10.8 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; -
Frequency response: 15 Hz - 25 kHz; -
Sound signature: warm; -
Impedance: 32 Ω; 32 Ω
Sensitivity: 109 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Weight: 14 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: Yes; -
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; -

Specification comparison of Meze Audio Alba vs Moondrop Aria Snow Edition
Spec	Meze Audio Alba	Moondrop Aria Snow Edition
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$160	$80
HearWiki score	80 / 100 Great	69 / 100 Good
Released	2024	2022
Audio
Driver	10.8 mm dynamic	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	10.8 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	-
Frequency response	15 Hz - 25 kHz	-
Sound signature	warm	-
Impedance	32 Ω	32 Ω
Sensitivity	109 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Weight	14 g	-
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	Yes	-
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	-

What reviewers said

Meze Audio Alba

The Meze Audio Alba is a lightweight, wired IEM that delivers a well-rounded, mildly V-shaped sound with impressive bass and clear separation for its price. It's easy to drive thanks to its high sensitivity, and the included USB-C adapter adds practical convenience, making it a strong value pick for everyday listening. Build quality is solid and the fit is comfortable, though a few minor quirks like the cable and stock tips keep it from being flawless.

Pro:Engaging, well-tuned sound with good bass
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
Pro:Easy to drive without a separate amplifier

Con:Cable and stock ear tips could be improved
Con:Treble may be slightly forward for some
Con:No built-in microphone

Moondrop Aria Snow Edition

The Moondrop Aria Snow Edition is a wired in-ear monitor featuring a 10mm dynamic driver with a first-generation DLC composite diaphragm, delivering a refined sound signature. It comes with a replaceable silver-plated oxygen-free-copper cable for enhanced signal transmission and user convenience. Priced around $80, it offers a balanced, detailed listening experience without active noise cancellation.

Pro:Detailed and balanced sound
Pro:Replaceable high-quality cable
Pro:Comfortable fit for long sessions

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Requires a decent source to shine
Con:Cable may be prone to tangling

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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