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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for earbuds on a budget, the Moondrop Chus offer good value with high sound quality and come with a microphone, although their design may result in a less secure fit and they may not be as comfortable for all users. On the other hand, the Sony Linkbuds are more expensive but provide an open design for natural audio perception and better situational awareness, built-in wireless features, and an earbud form that could fit more securely due to silicone fins. The choice would boil down to whether you prioritize budget and sound or are willing to invest more for additional features and potentially better fit and comfort. 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 Moondrop Chu
- Good for music
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony Linkbuds
- Good for exercise
Key differences
Music
7.9
6.6
The Moondrop Chu is good for music, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Gaming
8.0
5.5
The Moondrop Chu is very good for gaming, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Phone Calls
8.8
6.8
The Moondrop Chu is very good for phone calls, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
TV and Video
7.5
5.4
The Moondrop Chu is good for TV and video, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The Moondrop Chu is only fair for noise reduction, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.5 Hours
The Moondrop Chu does not have a battery. The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$22
$178
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Moondrop Chu has a price of $22 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $178.
Build Quality
8.5
9.3
The Sony Linkbuds has excellent build quality, while the Moondrop Chu has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
7.8
The Sony Linkbuds and Moondrop Chu are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Moondrop Chu and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Moondrop Chu | Sony Linkbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$22 | $178 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Moondrop | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2022 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.9/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.1/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 17.5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
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."
Sony Linkbuds
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Sam Moore | February 2022
"The Sony LinkBuds is definitely the most unique audio product to release so far in 2022, and it largely executes well on it's unoccluded design. However, it's hamstrung by all the same things as other unsealed earbuds."
Get a great deal on the Moondrop Chu or the Sony Linkbuds
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).
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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Why trust us
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.
By the numbers
108
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11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
124,100
Recommendations made
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Consumer hours saved
About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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