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Moondrop JIU vs TRN ST2: 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
TRN ST2
Sound6.0
Calls5.5
Value7.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Moondrop JIU vs TRN ST2
SpecMoondrop JIUTRN ST2
TypeWired IEMsWired IEMs
Price (USD)$19$13
HearWiki score74 / 100 · Good62 / 100 · Average
Released20232020
Audio
Driver10mm High-performance Dynamic Driverhybrid
Driver size10 mm10 mm
Drivers per side12
Frequency response10Hz-35kHz20Hz-20000Hz
Impedance32 Ω22 Ω
Sensitivity110 dB/mW107 dB/mW
Wireless
Multipoint pairingNoNo
Features
Active noise cancellingNoNo
Controls-buttons
Design
Weight-9.2 g
Detachable cableNo-
USB-CYes-
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

TRN ST2

The TRN ST2 is a budget hybrid in-ear monitor that delivers a punchy low end and a broad soundstage for its modest price. Its clean mids and defined bass make it appealing for certain listeners, though its upper-range tuning may come across as bright or harsh to some ears. It also includes a microphone and offers a light, comfortable fit with minimal cable noise.

  • Pro:Strong bass presence and clear mids
  • Pro:Wide soundstage for the price
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable to wear
  • Con:Upper mids and lower treble can sound splashy or fatiguing
  • Con:Tuning may not suit all listeners
  • Con:Build and accessories are basic for the price

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

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