Short answer: the TRN MT3. It ranks #24 of 450 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $17.99; the Moondrop Marigold ranks #41, rated 4.6/5, and costs $19, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
Why pick the TRN MT3: The MT3 scores 83.4 for preference in the median of eight hobbyist measurements on squig.link, with a smooth 1.18 dB deviation from target. Watch for: Treble is lifted, about 2 dB high from 6 to 10 kHz and 3.6 dB high above 10 kHz, with a 5.1 dB peak near 8.4 kHz that can make sibilance and cymbals sound splashy.
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 tradeoff: 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.
Buy the TRN MT3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Moondrop Marigold and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| TRN MT3 | Moondrop Marigold | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $17.99 | $19.00 |
| Ranked | #24 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #41 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 83 (median of 8 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 82 (median of 6 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.18 dB standard deviation | 1.30 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.09 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.30 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.2 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 28 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 114 dB | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How TRN MT3 compares with other leading options:
- TRN MT3 vs Truthear Gate
- TRN MT3 vs Moondrop Quark 2
- Moondrop Marigold vs KZ Merga
- Moondrop Marigold vs ThieAudio Monarch MKII
- Moondrop Marigold vs Moondrop Quark 2
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
TRN MT3: $17.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: The MT3 scores 83.4 for preference in the median of eight hobbyist measurements on squig.link, with a smooth 1.18 dB deviation from target. Sub-bass sits right on target and bass runs about 1.6 dB above it, giving kick drums and electronic music a slightly warm, full low end that suits warm and mildly V shaped tastes. Its 114 dB sensitivity at 28 ohms means any phone or dongle drives it loudly.
Cons: Treble is lifted, about 2 dB high from 6 to 10 kHz and 3.6 dB high above 10 kHz, with a 5.1 dB peak near 8.4 kHz that can make sibilance and cymbals sound splashy. A 3.7 dB dip near 11.2 kHz follows, so the top end is not entirely even. It is rated equal to, not above, close rivals such as the 7Hz Salnotes Zero and CCA Trio.
Full TRN MT3 review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.18 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 83 (median of 8 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 28 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 114 dB |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.2 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.09 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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