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Moondrop Old Fashioned vs Skullcandy Icon® 180: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Moondrop Old Fashioned comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 80. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Moondrop Old Fashioned - Outstanding overall at around $23.

Score breakdown

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

Moondrop Old Fashioned leads on 4 of 6 measures.

  • Moondrop Old Fashioned
  • Skullcandy Icon® 180
HearWiki score
80
64
Sound
7.2
5.8
Battery
-
8.8
Calls
-
6.1
Value
9.5
8.3
Price (USD)
$23
$37

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 2026. These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Skullcandy Icon® 180 adds USB-C.

  • Old Fashioned2026
  • Icon® 1802026
What differsOld FashionedIcon® 180

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

Old FashionedIcon® 180
Type
On-Ear
On-Ear
Price (USD)
$23
$37
HearWiki score
80
64
Released
2026
2026
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
3× 40 mm dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
3
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
109 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC, aptX
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Battery life
-
50 h
Full charge time
-
120 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 4 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Controls
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
-
145.5 g
Water resistance
-
IPX4
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Microphones
-
2

What reviewers said

Moondrop Old Fashioned

The Moondrop Old Fashioned is a budget-friendly, semi-open on-ear headphone with a triple 40mm dynamic driver setup that delivers clear, well-tuned sound with a focus on vocals. It's easy to drive and comfortable for casual listening, though its open design means noticeable sound leakage and a significant roll-off in sub-bass frequencies. Overall, it offers strong value for its price, especially for those who prioritize midrange clarity over deep bass.

  • Pro:Excellent tuning and vocal clarity for the price
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions
  • Pro:Easy to drive with any device thanks to high sensitivity
  • Con:Very limited sub-bass response with roll-off below 100 Hz
  • Con:Semi-open design leads to sound leakage and poor isolation
  • Con:Modest technical performance compared to pricier models

Skullcandy Icon® 180

The Skullcandy Icon 180 is a budget-friendly on-ear headphone that prioritizes long battery life and portability over advanced features. It offers a comfortable, closed-back design that passively blocks some noise, along with Bluetooth 5.3, multi-device pairing, and a foldable frame for easy travel. While it lacks active noise cancellation, its IPX4 rating and optional wired connection add versatility for everyday use.

  • Pro:Excellent 50-hour battery life
  • Pro:Supports multipoint and aptX for flexibility
  • Pro:Lightweight, foldable, and IPX4-rated
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Sound quality is only acceptable, not impressive
  • Con:Plastic build may feel less premium

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

Compare something else

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New comparisonMoondrop Old FashionedSkullcandy Icon® 180