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Moondrop MAYImage © Moondrop

Moondrop MAY

75/ 100
Great
HearWiki score

Good value

$100
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated
Manufacturer pageBuy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Moondrop
Type
Wired IEMs
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2024

Score breakdowngreat overall

Sound7.9
Calls7.0
Value8.2

The MOONDROP MAY is a fully balanced hybrid in-ear monitor featuring a 10mm dynamic driver and a 6mm planar magnetic driver, with USB-C online interactive DSP and interchangeable cable.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Moondrop MAY is a budget-friendly hybrid IEM with USB-C connectivity and a warm, bass-forward sound that suits relaxed listening. It delivers a smooth, easy-going tuning with good midrange presence, though its technical capabilities and DSP-related quirks hold it back from competing with pricier options.

What works

  • Warm, bass-rich sound that's easy to enjoy
  • Comfortable fit with lightweight design
  • Convenient USB-C connection
  • Natural tonal balance for casual listening

What doesn't

  • Limited technical performance in detail and dynamics
  • DSP behavior can be inconsistent
  • Vocal clarity and soundstage are not standout
  • Supporting app is only average

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - Moondrop MAY
Driver2-driver hybrid
Driver typehybrid
Drivers per side2
Frequency response7 Hz - 39 kHz
Impedance30 Ω
Sensitivity105 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)120

What the reviews said

4 source(s) feeding this product's score.

headfonics.com

79

The review says the MAY offers strong bass, clean mids, and a natural tonal balance that works well for casual listening. Its weaknesses are less impressive detail retrieval and dynamics.

Read the full review

primeaudio.org

80

The reviewer finds the Moondrop MAY to be a capable sub-$100 IEM with good midrange body and non-fatiguing treble. The overall impression is positive, though the technical performance and supporting app are described as only middling.

Read the full review

head-fi.org

The review notes strong bass energy, an easy fit, and a warm, smooth presentation, while also saying the May does not excel at technicalities such as vocal clarity, transients, or soundstage. It also criticizes the DSP behavior as inconsistent.

Read the full review

headphonesty.com

The reviewer describes the Moondrop MAY as a promising hybrid IEM with a pleasant, easy-to-enjoy tuning and convenient USB-C connectivity. The main drawbacks are limited technical performance and some quirks in the DSP implementation.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

The consensus

Positiveacross 5 videos

Reviewers generally agree that the Moondrop MAY offers excellent value at $65, with a comfortable fit, premium build, and a versatile USB-C DSP cable with parametric EQ that adds flexibility.

Reviewers liked

  • Excellent value at $65 with sound quality rivaling pricier IEMs
  • Comfortable fit and premium build quality
  • Versatile USB-C DSP cable with parametric EQ for customization
  • Detailed, airy treble with a smooth, natural midrange

Reviewers flagged

  • Companion app can be finicky to set up and has EQ limitations
  • USB-C-only cable, no analog option, and EQ not applied on some DAPs
  • Potential sibilance and fatigue from treble in stock DSP mode
  • Less resolving bass and technical performance than some competitors
17:02

Moondrop May REVIEW! vs. Aria 2

Super* Review73.7K viewsJan 2024

The reviewer compares the Moondrop May to the Aria 2, concluding that the May is the better recommendation due to its superior fit stability, lower price, and the flexibility of its USB-C DSP with parametric EQ, despite some quirks in the app and cable. The sound is described as similar to the Aria 2, with a slightly tighter bass and more incisive treble, but the May's comfort and value make it the preferred choice.

5:20

Very UNDERRATED IEM under $100 | Moondrop May

Hangout․Audio56.1K viewsApr 2025

The reviewer finds the Moondrop May to be a still-relevant and underrated IEM under $100 in 2025, praising its hybrid planar-dynamic driver setup and comfortable build. They prefer the analog mode over the stock DSP tuning, noting the latter is brighter, and recommend it for those wanting a sparkly, detailed sound similar to the Aria 2 but with more air. However, they caution about potential sibilance and the USB-C-only DSP cable.

16:20

in-Ear Fetish Review \\ Moondrop MAY IEM

in-Ear Fetish22.8K viewsFeb 2024

The reviewer is highly impressed with the Moondrop MAY, calling it a spectacular value at $65, with sound quality that rivals much more expensive IEMs like the Variations. They praise the included USB-C cable and DSP features, though they note the companion app can be finicky to set up. Overall, they consider it a must-buy and one of the best Moondrop IEMs they've heard.

10:29

I'M NOT SOLD....MOONDROP MAY

Audio-In Reviews15.5K viewsDec 2023

The reviewer finds the Moondrop MAY to be a well-built and comfortable IEM with a natural, smooth tuning, but feels it lacks treble energy and technical performance compared to competitors in its price range. While the DSP features and accessories are appreciated, the overall sound is not fully convincing, making it a mixed recommendation.

7:43

Moondrop MAY or MEH? (Review & EA500LM)

Jays Audio 8.9K viewsDec 2023

The reviewer finds the Moondrop MAY to be a warm, smooth, and airy-sounding IEM with good accessories and DSP flexibility, but considers it a step behind competitors like the Simgot EW200 and EW300 in resolution and bass quality, especially given its higher price. They give it a half recommendation, suggesting it's only worth buying for the accessories or if you lack EQ options, and recommend alternatives like the EW200 or saving up for the EA500.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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Where it sits in our rankings

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