Wired IEMs
Moondrop CHU II
75Great
$19
Full review dataMoondrop CHU II vs Tripowin Piccolo: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Moondrop CHU II comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 75. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Moondrop CHU II - Great overall at around $19.
Wired IEMs
Tripowin Piccolo
71Good
$10
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.
- Moondrop CHU II
- Tripowin Piccolo
HearWiki score
75
71
Sound
7.4
6.9
Value
8.7
9.6
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
Both shipped in 2023. 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
- Piccolo2023
Specifications
CHU IIPiccolo
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $19
- $10
- HearWiki score
- 75
- 71
- Released
- 2023
- 2023
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD
- 2× 11 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 1DD
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 11 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 2
- Impedance
- 18 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Connector
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- -
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
Tripowin Piccolo
The Tripowin Piccolo is a wallet-friendly wired IEM that pairs a single 11 mm dual-cavity LCP dynamic driver with a detachable 0.78 mm 2-pin cable, making it a practical choice for everyday listening. It focuses on delivering a straightforward, hi-fi-oriented sound signature without active noise cancellation, appealing to those who prefer a simple, wired setup.
- Pro:Very affordable price point
- Pro:Detachable 2-pin cable for easy replacement
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended use
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Wired only, no wireless option
- Con:Limited accessory bundle
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.