Short answer: the Moondrop Marigold. It ranks #41 of 450 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $19; the KZ Merga ranks #71, rated 4.5/5, at $18.99. With prices this close, go by the sound-quality ranking rather than the cost.
The case for the Moondrop Marigold: Across six hobbyist measurements on squig.link it earns a preference score of 81.6 with only 1.3 dB of deviation from target, an unusually even response for a single 10mm dynamic driver. The catch: Treble and air sit about 1.5 dB under target, and a 7.4 dB dip near 10.9 kHz takes some sparkle off cymbals and room ambience.
Why pick the KZ Merga: In eight hobbyist measurements on squig.link its dual dynamic drivers score 80.0, with a smooth 1.3 dB deviation and sub-bass holding to 20 Hz. Watch for: A 5.6 dB peak near 8.1 kHz can make cymbals and sibilant vocals sound sharp.
Buy the Moondrop Marigold. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $0.01 saving on the KZ Merga is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Moondrop Marigold | KZ Merga | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.00 | $18.99 |
| Ranked | #41 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #71 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 82 (median of 6 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 80 (median of 8 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.30 dB standard deviation | 1.30 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.30 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.45 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.7 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 1 x 8mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 33 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| Sensitivity | - | 104 dB |
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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 Marigold: $19.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Across six hobbyist measurements on squig.link it earns a preference score of 81.6 with only 1.3 dB of deviation from target, an unusually even response for a single 10mm dynamic driver. Sub-bass holds within a fraction of a dB of target down to 20 Hz, so bass lines keep their weight, and a gentle lift of about 1 dB through the bass and low mids gives voices and instruments a warm body. It matches the DUNU Kima Classic and Shanling Tino on rating while costing a little less, and the 32 ohm load plus inline mic make it an easy phone companion.
Cons: Treble and air sit about 1.5 dB under target, and a 7.4 dB dip near 10.9 kHz takes some sparkle off cymbals and room ambience. A narrow 3.5 dB peak around 8.1 kHz can make a few sibilant recordings sound edgy despite the otherwise relaxed top end.
Full Moondrop Marigold review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.30 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 82 (median of 6 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.30 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
KZ Merga: $18.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: In eight hobbyist measurements on squig.link its dual dynamic drivers score 80.0, with a smooth 1.3 dB deviation and sub-bass holding to 20 Hz. Treble from 6 to 10 kHz rises about 2 dB and air about 4 dB above target, giving a crisp, detailed top end that suits listeners who like a v-shaped sound. It costs less than the slightly higher rated DUNU Kima Classic.
Cons: A 5.6 dB peak near 8.1 kHz can make cymbals and sibilant vocals sound sharp. Bass and low mids sit slightly under target, so it sounds leaner than the bassier Moondrop Chu 2 DSP, which also carries a higher rating.
Full KZ Merga review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.30 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 1 x 8mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 80 (median of 8 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 33 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.45 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons