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Moondrop JIU vs Moondrop QUARK2: 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.

Score breakdown

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

Moondrop JIU
Sound7.5
Value8.0
Moondrop QUARK2
Sound7.5
Calls6.0
Value8.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Moondrop JIU vs Moondrop QUARK2
SpecMoondrop JIUMoondrop QUARK2
TypeWired IEMsWired IEMs
Price (USD)$19$17
HearWiki score74 / 100 · Good72 / 100 · Good
Released20232024
Audio
Driver10mm High-performance Dynamic Driver6mm micro dynamic driver
Driver size10 mm7.8 mm
Drivers per side11
Frequency response10Hz-35kHz20Hz-20kHz
Impedance32 Ω16 Ω
Sensitivity110 dB/mW-
Wireless
Codecs-PCM 32-bit/384kHz
Multipoint pairingNoNo
Features
Active noise cancellingNoNo
Controls-buttons
Design
Detachable cableNo-
USB-CYesYes
Calls
Microphones11
Call noise reductionDSP microphone-

What reviewers said

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

Moondrop QUARK2

The Moondrop QUARK2 is a budget-friendly USB-C in-ear monitor that delivers surprisingly capable sound through its compact 7.8mm dynamic driver and built-in digital signal processing. It offers plug-and-play convenience with an inline microphone and physical controls, making it a solid pick for everyday listening on compatible devices. While it lacks advanced features like noise cancellation, its straightforward design and clear tuning provide strong value at its low price point.

  • Pro:Very affordable price point
  • Pro:Clean, well-tuned sound for the size
  • Pro:Simple plug-and-play USB-C connectivity
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Limited to wired USB-C use, no Bluetooth
  • Con:Basic build and no replaceable cable

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

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