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 Quark 2 ranks #45, rated 4.6/5, and costs $19.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
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 Quark 2: For a very low price, the Quark 2 scores 82 for preference in the median of seven hobbyist measurements on squig.link, with a near zero tilt and only about 1.3 dB of unevenness. The catch: Treble is consistently subdued, sitting 2 to 3 dB below target from 3 to 16 kHz with a 6 dB dip near 11.2 kHz, so cymbals lack sparkle and the sound can feel slightly veiled.
Buy the TRN MT3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Moondrop Quark 2 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 Quark 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $17.99 | $19.99 |
| Ranked | #24 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #45 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) | 81 (median of 8 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.18 dB standard deviation | 1.25 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.09 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.10 (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 (-1.8 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic | 1 x 7.8mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 28 ohms | - |
| Sensitivity | 114 dB | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to TRN MT3:
- TRN MT3 vs Truthear Gate
- TRN MT3 vs Moondrop Marigold
- Moondrop Quark 2 vs KZ Merga
- Moondrop Marigold vs Moondrop Quark 2
- Moondrop Quark 2 vs KZ Krila
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 Quark 2: $19.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: For a very low price, the Quark 2 scores 82 for preference in the median of seven hobbyist measurements on squig.link, with a near zero tilt and only about 1.3 dB of unevenness. Bass and midrange stay within about 1 dB of target and the upper response has no peak above half a dB, so it never sounds shouty or sharp. A built in microphone makes it handy for calls.
Cons: Treble is consistently subdued, sitting 2 to 3 dB below target from 3 to 16 kHz with a 6 dB dip near 11.2 kHz, so cymbals lack sparkle and the sound can feel slightly veiled. Sub-bass is about 1.6 dB shy of target, and several rivals such as the KZ EDZ earn the same rating at a similar price.
Full Moondrop Quark 2 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.25 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 7.8mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 81 (median of 8 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.8 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.10 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons