
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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Moondrop JIU | TRN ST2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $19 | $13 |
| HearWiki score | 74 / 100 · Good | 62 / 100 · Average |
| Released | 2023 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 10mm High-performance Dynamic Driver | hybrid |
| Driver size | 10 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-35kHz | 20Hz-20000Hz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 22 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB/mW | 107 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | - | 9.2 g |
| Detachable cable | No | - |
| USB-C | Yes | - |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | 1 |
| Call noise reduction | DSP 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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