Wired IEMs
Moondrop S8
84Great
$700
Full review dataMoondrop S8 vs Westone Pro X50: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Moondrop S8 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Moondrop S8 - Great overall at around $699.
Wired IEMs
Westone Pro X50
72Good
$650
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Moondrop S8
Sound8.5
Value7.0
Westone Pro X50
Sound7.5
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Moondrop S8 | Westone Pro X50 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $700 | $650 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2021 | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 8 balanced armature (2 highs + 4 mids + 2 bass) | BA |
| Drivers per side | 8 | 5 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 45 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 122 dB/mW | 115 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | - | 6 g |
| USB-C | No | No |
What reviewers said
Moondrop S8
The Moondrop S8 is an eight-balanced-armature IEM built for clarity and technical precision, with a clean, controlled tuning that suits critical listening. Its high sensitivity and low impedance make it easy to drive, though it may reveal background hiss on noisy sources. Overall, it delivers strong detail retrieval and a refined, balanced signature that rivals far pricier models.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and technical performance
- Pro:Balanced, refined tuning across the frequency range
- Pro:Very easy to drive thanks to high sensitivity
- Con:Can expose hiss from less-than-pristine sources
- Con:No wireless or noise-canceling features
- Con:Price may be steep for some buyers
Westone Pro X50
The Westone Pro X50 is a compact, five-driver in-ear monitor that delivers a warm, engaging sound with solid bass extension and smooth detail retrieval. Its featherweight build and ergonomic fit make it ideal for extended listening, though its low-end emphasis may not suit those seeking a perfectly neutral signature. A generous accessory bundle and two-year warranty add to its premium appeal.
- Pro:Extremely lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Pro:Warm, musical tuning with satisfying bass depth
- Pro:Clear and refined treble from five balanced-armature drivers
- Con:Bass-forward character may feel heavy for purists
- Con:Requires EQ if you prefer a flatter response
- Con:No ANC or wireless features at this price point
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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