Moondrop CHU II vs Moondrop NICE BUDS: which should you buy?

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

Wired IEMs

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.

Moondrop CHU II
Moondrop NICE BUDS

HearWiki score

Sound

7.4

Value

8.7

Price (USD)

$19

$10

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

These are 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.

CHU II2023
NICE BUDSYear unknown

Specifications

CHU IINICE BUDS

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $19; $10
HearWiki score: 75; Not scored
Released: 2023; -
Availability: Still sold new; Availability unknown
Driver: 1DD; 15.4 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver configuration: 1DD; -
Driver size: 10 mm; 15.4 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: -; 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance: 18 Ω; 32 Ω
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): -; 122
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 3.5 mm
Model code: -; MD-IEM-075

Specification comparison of Moondrop CHU II vs Moondrop NICE BUDS
Spec	Moondrop CHU II	Moondrop NICE BUDS
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$19	$10
HearWiki score	75 / 100 Great	Not scored
Released	2023	-
Audio
Driver	1DD	15.4 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver configuration	1DD	-
Driver size	10 mm	15.4 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	-	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance	18 Ω	32 Ω
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	-	122
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	3.5 mm
Model code	-	MD-IEM-075

What reviewers said

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

Moondrop NICE BUDS

The Moondrop NICE BUDS are budget-friendly flat-head earbuds with a single 15.4mm dynamic driver, designed for straightforward wired listening. With a 32Ω impedance and high 122dB/Vrms sensitivity, they are easy to drive from most devices. Their open, lightweight design focuses on simplicity, making them a solid pick for users who prefer classic earbuds over in-ear models.

Pro:Very affordable price point
Pro:High sensitivity for easy volume from any source
Pro:Classic flat-head design for comfortable, non-intrusive wear

Con:No noise isolation or ANC due to open design
Con:Single driver limits soundstage depth
Con:Cable is non-detachable, reducing upgrade potential

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

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