Short answer: a tie on sound quality. Both are rated 4.4/5 (#92 and #91 of 450 in-ear headphones), so choose on features and fit.
The case for the Moondrop Variations: In oratory1990’s measurement it scores 79 for preference with a smooth 1.46 dB deviation. The catch: 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.
Why pick the Truthear x Crinacle Zero: Oratory1990’s measurement gives it a preference score of 79 with a 1.61 dB deviation, and its two dynamic drivers stay within about 1.3 dB of target from 60 Hz up to 10 kHz. The tradeoff: A 4.5 dB peak near 8 kHz and 2.4 dB of extra air above 10 kHz give it a brighter tilt than target, so sibilant vocals and cymbals can sound edgy.
Buy the Moondrop Variations or the Truthear x Crinacle Zero on features: they are rated the same for sound quality at close to the same price.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Moondrop Variations | Truthear x Crinacle Zero | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | - | - |
| Ranked | #92 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #91 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 79 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 79 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.46 dB standard deviation | 1.61 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.60 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.46 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+2.2 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 2 balanced armature + 2 electrostatic) | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 2 x balanced armature + 2 x electrostatic | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 1 x 7.8mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 15.2 ohms | 10 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 118 dB/Vrms | 117.5 dB |
| Frequency Response | 9Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 39.5kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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- Moondrop Blessing 3 vs Moondrop Variations
- Moondrop Variations vs Sennheiser IE 200
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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 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
Truthear x Crinacle Zero AliExpress eBay
Pros: Oratory1990’s measurement gives it a preference score of 79 with a 1.61 dB deviation, and its two dynamic drivers stay within about 1.3 dB of target from 60 Hz up to 10 kHz. Bass from 60 to 200 Hz runs 1.2 dB above target, adding warmth and punch that suit warm and V-shaped tastes. Sub-bass reaches down to 20 Hz within 6 dB of target.
Cons: A 4.5 dB peak near 8 kHz and 2.4 dB of extra air above 10 kHz give it a brighter tilt than target, so sibilant vocals and cymbals can sound edgy. Its 10 ohm impedance is unusually low, so a source with high output impedance can shift its tuning, and it has no microphone for calls.
Full Truthear x Crinacle Zero review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.61 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 1 x 7.8mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 39.5kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 79 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 10 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 117.5 dB |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.46 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -4.3 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 | +6.7 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 254 Hz | +3.6 dB | 0.38 |
| Peak | 71 Hz | -7.3 dB | 0.42 |
| Peak | 4,967 Hz | -2.5 dB | 3.55 |
| Peak | 2,574 Hz | -1.4 dB | 1.07 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -2.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 352 Hz | -0.6 dB | 2.27 |
| Peak | 658 Hz | +0.6 dB | 2.25 |
| Peak | 207 Hz | +0.6 dB | 3.05 |
| Peak | 1,186 Hz | -0.4 dB | 2.72 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons