Short answer: the Moondrop Aria 2 if sound quality matters most, the 7Hz Salnotes Zero 2 if price matters most. The Moondrop Aria 2 ranks #240 of 467 in-ear headphones, rated 4.1/5, at $99.99. The 7Hz Salnotes Zero 2 ranks #360, rated 3.6/5, at $24.99, $75 cheaper.
The case for the 7Hz Salnotes Zero 2: Bass and sub-bass both run 1.5 to 1.8 dB above target in hobbyist measurements, giving a warm, full low end that suits listeners who like some extra weight. The catch: Presence falls about 4 dB below target with a 5.9 dB dip near 6 kHz, so vocals and cymbals sound recessed and a bit dull.
The Moondrop Aria 2 is the better-sounding pick. In squig.link measurements it reaches a preference score of 75 with a smooth response, deviating only about 2 dB on average from the Harman target. The tradeoff: A 4.8 dB dip near 6 kHz and presence about 2.8 dB below target take some bite and detail off snares and consonants.
Buy the 7Hz Salnotes Zero 2 when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the Moondrop Aria 2 when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| 7Hz Salnotes Zero 2 | Moondrop Aria 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24.99 | $99.99 |
| Ranked | #360 of 467 in In-Ear Headphones | #240 of 467 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 69 (median of 15 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 75 (median of 22 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.11 dB standard deviation | 1.97 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.87 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.13 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.2 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 33 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 108 dB/V | 122 dB/Vrms |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 16Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How Moondrop Aria 2 compares with other leading options:
- 7Hz Salnotes Zero vs 7Hz Salnotes Zero 2
- ARTTI T10 vs Simgot EG280
- KZ Zenith vs Simgot EG280
- Simgot EG280 vs Kiwi Ears Canta
- Beats Fit Pro vs Beats Studio Buds
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
7Hz Salnotes Zero 2: $24.99 Amazon $24.99 eBay
Pros: Bass and sub-bass both run 1.5 to 1.8 dB above target in hobbyist measurements, giving a warm, full low end that suits listeners who like some extra weight. The 32 ohm load is easy for a phone or laptop to drive. It earns a higher rating than the CCA CSN at a similar price.
Cons: Presence falls about 4 dB below target with a 5.9 dB dip near 6 kHz, so vocals and cymbals sound recessed and a bit dull. A preference score of 69 means the tonality is noticeably colored. The KZ ZST rates slightly higher for less money, and there is no microphone.
Full 7Hz Salnotes Zero 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.11 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 69 (median of 15 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 108 dB/V |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.2 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.87 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Moondrop Aria 2: $99.99 Amazon $99.99 eBay
Pros: In squig.link measurements it reaches a preference score of 75 with a smooth response, deviating only about 2 dB on average from the Harman target. Bass sits about 1.4 dB above target and the upper mids land almost exactly on it, so vocals and guitars sound natural with a slightly full low end. Sensitivity of 122 dB/V and a 33 ohm load mean any phone or dongle drives it to loud levels.
Cons: A 4.8 dB dip near 6 kHz and presence about 2.8 dB below target take some bite and detail off snares and consonants. Sub-bass sits about 2.2 dB under target, so deep synth rumble is a little lighter than on a bass-focused set. There is no inline microphone for calls.
Full Moondrop Aria 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.97 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 16Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 75 (median of 22 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 33 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 122 dB/Vrms |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.13 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples