Short answer: a tie on sound quality. Both are rated 4.4/5 (#89 and #92 of 450 in-ear headphones), so choose on features and fit.
The case for the Moondrop Blessing 3: Crinacle’s measurement gives it a preference score of 79, and the median of 38 hobbyist measurements on squig.link keeps every band from 20 Hz to 10 kHz within 2 dB of the Harman target, with a smooth 1.65 dB deviation. The catch: The Etymotic EVO matches its rating for noticeably less money.
The case for the Moondrop Variations: In oratory1990’s measurement it scores 79 for preference with a smooth 1.46 dB deviation. The tradeoff: Presence and treble each sit 1.7 dB under target and a 4.4 dB dip near 9.8 kHz takes some bite off cymbals, giving it a dark, warm balance.
Buy the Moondrop Blessing 3 or the Moondrop Variations on features: they are rated the same for sound quality at close to the same price.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Moondrop Blessing 3 | Moondrop Variations | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.99 | - |
| Ranked | #89 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #92 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 79 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 79 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.65 dB standard deviation | 1.46 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.34 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.60 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Hybrid (2 dynamic + 4 balanced armature) | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 2 balanced armature + 2 electrostatic) |
| Drivers | 2 x dynamic + 4 x balanced armature | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 2 x balanced armature + 2 x electrostatic |
| Impedance | 14.8 ohms | 15.2 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 120 dB/Vrms | 118 dB/Vrms |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 9Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.9 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+2.2 dB at 30 Hz) |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How Moondrop Blessing 3 compares with other leading options:
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- Moondrop Blessing vs Moondrop Blessing 3
- Moondrop Blessing 3 vs Unique Melody 3DT
- Melody Wings Neptune vs Moondrop Blessing 3
- Inawaken Twilight-DS vs Moondrop Blessing 3
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
Moondrop Blessing 3: $359.99 Amazon AliExpress eBay
Pros: Crinacle’s measurement gives it a preference score of 79, and the median of 38 hobbyist measurements on squig.link keeps every band from 20 Hz to 10 kHz within 2 dB of the Harman target, with a smooth 1.65 dB deviation. The result is balanced, natural sounding vocals and instruments with full bass extension. At 14.8 ohms and 120 dB/V it is easy to drive from a phone, and it rates above the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite and the FiiO FH5s.
Cons: The Etymotic EVO matches its rating for noticeably less money. A 3.8 dB dip near 6.9 kHz next to a 3.6 dB peak near 8.1 kHz gives the treble slight unevenness, and sub-bass sits about 2 dB under target, so it lacks the extra rumble bass lovers may want.
Full Moondrop Blessing 3 review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.65 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Hybrid (2 dynamic + 4 balanced armature) |
| Drivers | 2 x dynamic + 4 x balanced armature |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 79 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 14.8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 120 dB/Vrms |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.34 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -2.9 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +2.5 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 10,000 Hz | +2.8 dB | 0.97 |
| Peak | 3,076 Hz | -2.1 dB | 3.52 |
| Peak | 237 Hz | -0.5 dB | 1.04 |
| Peak | 1,479 Hz | -1.1 dB | 3.10 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -8.7 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 9,596 Hz | +3.9 dB | 2.54 |
| Peak | 863 Hz | +0.8 dB | 2.44 |
| Peak | 451 Hz | -0.2 dB | 1.54 |
| Peak | 6,947 Hz | +1.4 dB | 5.99 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Moondrop Variations AliExpress eBay
Pros: In oratory1990’s measurement it scores 79 for preference with a smooth 1.46 dB deviation. Sub-bass sits 1.5 dB above target and is 2.2 dB up at 30 Hz, so electronic and hip hop tracks get a satisfying rumble that bass lovers will enjoy. At 15.2 ohms and 118 dB/Vrms it runs fine from a phone or dongle.
Cons: Presence and treble each sit 1.7 dB under target and a 4.4 dB dip near 9.8 kHz takes some bite off cymbals, giving it a dark, warm balance. It is wired only and has no microphone for calls.
Full Moondrop Variations review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.46 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 2 balanced armature + 2 electrostatic) |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 2 x balanced armature + 2 x electrostatic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 9Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 79 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 15.2 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 118 dB/Vrms |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+2.2 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.60 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -1.6 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -2.7 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 6,390 Hz | +3.0 dB | 0.65 |
| Peak | 365 Hz | +1.4 dB | 0.59 |
| Peak | 3,034 Hz | -2.4 dB | 0.56 |
| Peak | 144 Hz | -1.6 dB | 2.30 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -2.2 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 2,112 Hz | +1.0 dB | 3.35 |
| Peak | 1,322 Hz | -0.5 dB | 2.36 |
| Peak | 3,015 Hz | -0.8 dB | 4.18 |
| Peak | 66 Hz | +0.3 dB | 2.02 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons