The budget IEM scene has exploded in recent years, and Moondrop has played a huge role in redefining expectations in the under 20 dollar category. The original Chu already made waves, but the Moondrop Chu II comes in not just as a sequel, but as a serious upgrade in every meaningful way. After spending considerable time with it, I can say it truly delivers beyond its modest price.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about the Chu II.
Moondrop Chu 2
Unboxing Experience
The Chu II arrives in a simple but charming white box with Moondrop’s signature anime art on the front. Inside, things are neatly arranged in a foam insert. The included accessories are basic: a 2-pin detachable cable, three pairs of generic silicone tips (S, M, L), a user manual, a quality control card, and a small synthetic leather carry pouch.
There are no Spring Tips this time, which is unfortunate given how well they paired with the original Chu. The generic tips are functional, but I highly recommend tip-rolling for the best experience. More on that later.
Moondrop Chu 2 Accessories
Build Quality and Design
Build quality is where Moondrop made a big leap. The Chu II uses a full metal zinc alloy shell that feels premium to the touch and exceptionally solid for the price. It’s the same compact size as the original Chu, which means it sits comfortably in the ear without causing fatigue over long sessions.
The nozzle is now brass and features a removable tuning filter, a unique touch at this price point. While this brass element may be prone to tarnishing in humid environments, it’s easy to maintain if stored properly. Also notable is the new 0.78mm 2-pin connector, replacing the fixed cable of the original. This is a huge win for longevity and customization.
The stock cable, while not braided, is lightweight, flexible, and surprisingly well-behaved. There is no chin slider, but the preformed ear hooks do a great job of keeping the IEMs securely in place.
Comfort is excellent overall. The ergonomic design works well for small to medium ears, and even after hours of listening or gaming, I never experienced discomfort or pressure build-up.
Sound Performance
This is where the Chu II really shines. The sound signature is a mild V-shape, offering a more consumer-friendly tonality than the neutral-leaning original Chu. It manages to be fun, engaging, and surprisingly detailed for its price range.
Bass
Bass is significantly improved over the original Chu. There’s more sub-bass extension and mid-bass impact, giving the overall sound a warmer and more dynamic character. Despite the bump, the bass remains clean, avoiding muddiness or bleeding into the mids.
Tracks like “Chocolate Chip Trip” by Tool show off the punchy, tight bass, while “Super Idol Hardstyle Remix” delivers satisfying rumble without overwhelming other frequencies. It’s not quite basshead territory, but for casual listeners and electronic music fans, it’s more than enough.
Mids
The mids are slightly recessed, which is typical of V-shaped signatures. However, they retain clarity and naturalness. Vocals, both male and female, sound clean and intelligible, though not particularly forward.
There’s a touch of warmth that helps guitars and acoustic instruments feel full-bodied. On “Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari” by Supercell, the female vocals soar without harshness, while “Learn to Fly” by Foo Fighters maintains good instrument separation despite the midrange dip.
Some users might want a bit more vocal presence, but I personally found the balance quite pleasant, especially when paired with wide bore tips that lift the mids slightly.
Treble
Treble has been tuned carefully to retain air and sparkle while avoiding the sharp peaks or sibilance common in budget sets. There is a bit of extra energy in the upper mids that can cause some harshness on bright recordings, especially with stock tips, but swapping to Spring Tips or AZLA SednaEarfit solved this for me entirely.
Cymbals in “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin and high harmonics in classical vocal tracks sounded realistic, not metallic. There’s no exaggerated decay, and the overall treble remains smooth and engaging.
Technical Performance
The Chu II doesn’t try to be a technical monster, but it does punch above its price in this department. Imaging is accurate, with clear placement of instruments. In “Stranglehold” by Ted Nugent, the stereo effects are well represented and enjoyable.
The soundstage is slightly intimate and not particularly wide, but it has decent depth and layering. Separation is solid for a single dynamic driver. Compared to other ultra-budget options, it holds its own and then some.
Comparisons
Moondrop Chu (Original)
This is the natural comparison. The Chu II outperforms the original in nearly every way: better bass response, smoother treble, detachable cable, and more engaging tonality. The original Chu may have slightly clearer mids due to its leaner tuning, but it lacks the warmth and fun of its successor.
Tanchjim Zero
The Zero is more neutral and clinical in tone, with excellent detail retrieval and clarity, especially in the mids. If you’re looking for an analytical listen or prioritizing midrange and vocals, the Zero may be a better fit. But for casual or everyday listening, the Chu II’s musicality is hard to beat.
7Hz Zero
While technically a bit sharper and more detailed, the 7Hz Zero also leans towards a brighter, colder signature. The Chu II sounds more full-bodied and less fatiguing, which makes it a more versatile daily driver for me.
Who Should Buy the Chu II?
This IEM is a fantastic choice for newcomers to the hobby, casual listeners, and anyone looking for an all-rounder under 20 dollars. It’s perfect for:
- Commuters who want an inexpensive, well-built IEM
- Students or budget-conscious buyers
- People upgrading from bundled earbuds or TWS
- Gamers who want something compact and comfortable
- Listeners who enjoy a fun, slightly V-shaped sound signature
Final Thoughts
The Moondrop Chu II is what budget IEMs should aspire to be. It takes the success of the original and improves nearly every aspect while keeping the price nearly identical. For under 20 dollars, you get excellent build quality, detachable cable, a very competent sound signature, and plenty of upgrade potential.
Sure, it’s not perfect. The stock tips are forgettable, the soundstage could be wider, and treble-sensitive users might need some tip rolling to tame the upper mids. But those are easy to overlook when the core experience is this solid.
I genuinely believe the Chu II reclaims Moondrop’s place at the top of the budget IEM segment. Whether you’re just starting out or just need a reliable daily set, this is one of the safest recommendations I can make in the entry-level category.
Where to Buy
You can find the Moondrop Chu II on:
Affiliate Disclaimer: Listen Vibes may earn commissions from qualifying purchases that helps to maintain the website - at no extra cost to you.