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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you require a product with studio-grade sound quality and durability, and you don't mind a larger form factor and higher cost, the Audio Technica M50x is a solid choice, particularly for professional or home studio use, as they are over-ear headphones known for detailed and flat audio reproduction. On the other hand, if you prioritize affordability, portability, and a discreet in-ear design, the Moondrop Chu would suit casual listening or commuting, but they may not match the M50x's performance in sound accuracy and may be less versatile for professional audio work. Note that in-ear models like the Moondrop Chu typically offer less sound isolation compared to over-ear models like the M50x, which might be an important factor if you plan to use them in noisy environments. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Audio Technica M50x
- Very good for music
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Moondrop Chu
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Music
8.5
7.9
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the Moondrop Chu is good.
Gaming
6.3
8.0
The Moondrop Chu is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica M50x is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.4
8.8
The Moondrop Chu is very good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
7.6
The Moondrop Chu and Audio Technica M50x are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Moondrop Chu is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
5.3
6.0
The Moondrop Chu is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Cost
$149
$21
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Moondrop Chu costs $21.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.8
7.5
The Audio Technica M50x and Moondrop Chu are both good for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Audio Technica M50x and Moondrop Chu both have very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Moondrop Chu compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Moondrop Chu |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $21 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Moondrop | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | April 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 8.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.4/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 6/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | In-Line | |
Shopping
Audio Technica M50x
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
Moondrop Chu
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2022
"These budget buds put the pressure on those premium priced in-ear monitors to really justify the cost disparity. Offering excellent sound quality at any price, the Moondrop Chu is both a perfect entry into the audio enthusiast hobby, and an all around good pick for music fans."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica M50x or the Moondrop Chu
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
About Moondrop
Moondrop is a Chinese brand of smart audio equipment, portable audio players, earbuds and headphones started in 2015. During the last few years they have become one of the major players in what is lovingly referred to as the Chi-fi market, the bulk of Chinese companies that have managed to actually compete with the western manufacturers in both prices and superior quality. Products such as the Blessing II, Chu and Kato are among the most popular offerings of the brand, more popular among those users that wish for good quality audio that won't break the bank. Besides audio, the brand also works in what they call the ACGN field (Animation, Comics, Games and Short Novels).
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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