Aful Explorer VS Moondrop May

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

Home Ranking Compare IEMs
My Ranking My Favorites

Aful Explorer and Moondrop May use 1DD+2BA and 1DD+1Planar driver setups respectively. Aful Explorer costs $120 while Moondrop May costs $65. Aful Explorer is $55 more expensive. Aful Explorer holds a clear 0.8-point edge in reviewer scores (7.3 vs 6.5). Moondrop May has better bass with a 0.5-point edge, Moondrop May has slightly better mids with a 0.3-point edge, Aful Explorer has significantly better treble with a 1.8-point edge, Aful Explorer has significantly better dynamics with a 2-point edge and Aful Explorer has slightly better soundstage with a 0.3-point edge.

Insights

Metric Aful Explorer Moondrop May
Bass 6.5 7
Mids 6.2 6.5
Treble 6.8 5
Details 6.5 6.5
Soundstage 6.3 6
Imaging 6.5 6.5
Dynamics 7 5
Tonality 6.9 5.8
Technicalities 6.6 5.5

Aful Explorer Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Smirk Audio Gizaudio Axel Shuwa-T Jays Audio
Jaytiss Audionotions
Audio Amigo Z-Reviews Super* Review Head-Fi.org

Average Reviewer Score:

7.3

Generally Favorable

Moondrop May Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Tim Tuned Jaytiss
Head-Fi.org
Z-Reviews Audio Amigo Super* Review Web Search

Average Reviewer Score:

6.5

Cautiously Favorable

Reviews Comparison

Aful Explorer reviewed by Audio Amigo

Audio Amigo 8.5 * score rescaled + normalized
An amazing hybrid. Trades blows with the S08. Gorgeous Shells

Audio Amigo original ranking

Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Buy Aful Explorer on HiFiGO

Ad
Using this affiliate link for ordering your Aful Explorer or any other IEM helps fund our free service at no extra cost to you.

Price: $107.99

Buy Aful Explorer on HiFiGO

Moondrop May reviewed by Audio Amigo

Audio Amigo 7 * score rescaled + normalized
A DSP IEM that sounds fantastic with both the Default DSP cable, and a standard 3.5mm analog cable. Great build, good case, and the ability to change the tuning using the Moondrop Link App add up to a fantastic All-Rounder with great versatility and good technical performance. Competes with the Aria 2 and the EW300 very well.

Audio Amigo original ranking

Audio Amigo Youtube Channel

Buy Moondrop May on Linsoul

Ad
Using this affiliate link for ordering your Moondrop May or any other IEM helps fund our free service at no extra cost to you.

Price: $74.99

Buy Moondrop May on Linsoul

Aful Explorer reviewed by Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 8.5 * score rescaled + normalized
check links for more info:

Z-Reviews original ranking

Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Moondrop May reviewed by Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 7.5 * score rescaled + normalized
check links for more info:

Z-Reviews original ranking

Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Aful Explorer reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 8* * score rescaled + normalized
Relaxed upper mid-range. Vocals sound a little bit more forward than instruments. Smooth treble performance.

Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Moondrop May reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 7* * score rescaled + normalized
The May is the way to go if you have 80 bucks. Standard EQ sounds great. Nice low contrast neutral sound

Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Aful Explorer reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 7.3 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
A- Tech
The mids still upset me, but it sounds magical.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: C+ Treble: A- Dynamics: A- Soundstage: B
YouTube video thumbnail

Moondrop May reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 5.3 Reviewer Score
C- Tuning
D Tech
A very enjoyable listen, hard to fault at this price and design. Could be a winner for you.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: C+ Treble: D Dynamics: C+ Soundstage: B
YouTube video thumbnail

Aful Explorer reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 8 * score rescaled + normalized
28 community members have rated the AFUL Explorer at an average of 4.3/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Excellent.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Moondrop May reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 6.3 * score rescaled + normalized
7 community members have rated the MOONDROP MAY at an average of 4.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Aful Explorer (more reviews)

Aful Explorer reviewed by Audionotions

Audionotions 7 Reviewer Score
Relaxed and fun. Easy to listen to. A bit darker than my preferrd signature but I enjoyed this quite a bit. Loaner

Audionotions original ranking

Website (Audionotions)

Aful Explorer reviewed by Smirk Audio

Smirk Audio 6.8 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B+ Tech
check links for more info:

Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

Bass: A- Mids: A- Treble: A- Dynamics: A- Details: B+ Imaging: B+

Aful Explorer reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 6.5 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B+ Tech
Perfect for rock and metal. Smooth, relaxing tuning, great bass with good slam, rich mid-range, safe treble. Upper mids may be too relaxed for some, treble is a bit dark.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel

Aful Explorer reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 6.4 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
B+ Tech
check links for more info:

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: B Mids: B+ Treble: B+ Soundstage: B+ Details: B+ Imaging: B+

Aful Explorer reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 6 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
B+ Tech
High volume set, very immersive, scales great with no sharpness, wide staging, enough detail/extension, good bass, just crank it up and enjoy the music.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel
YouTube video thumbnail

Moondrop May (more reviews)

Moondrop May reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 5.5 Reviewer Score
B- Tuning
A- Tech
check links for more info:

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: A- Mids: A+ Treble: A-

Moondrop May reviewed by Web Search

2025-07-01
uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 7 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
B+ Tech

The Moondrop May offers a convenient USB-C DSP cable with multiple EQ presets accessible via the Moondrop Link app, though the app suffers from connectivity issues and requires invasive permissions like location and file access. Its lightweight resin build provides solid comfort for extended wear, but the included ear tips are notoriously difficult to install on the nozzles. The DSP cable itself can exhibit a faint electronic whine during audio pauses, which disrupts calls or quiet passages.

Sonically, the May delivers a balanced signature with smooth, natural midrange, though male vocals occasionally lack resolution and texture. The 6mm planar driver handles treble with refinement, avoiding harshness, but struggles with airiness and micro-detail retrieval compared to competitors like the Truthear Hexa. Bass texture and layering also fall short despite the hybrid 1DD + 1 planar configuration, leading to a somewhat one-dimensional low end in complex tracks.

Technical performance is adequate for the price, with a moderately intimate soundstage and competent imaging, though instrument separation and dynamics can feel congested in busy mixes. The May scales better with analog cables than its own DSP solution, revealing improved clarity and midrange texture when bypassing the stock setup. While the DSP concept is innovative, execution issues limit its appeal, making the May a competent but inconsistent package at $65.

Buy Aful Explorer on Aliexpress

Ad
Using this affiliate link for ordering your Aful Explorer or any other IEM helps fund our free service at no extra cost to you.

Price: $119

Buy Aful Explorer on Aliexpress

Buy Moondrop May on HiFiGO

Ad
Using this affiliate link for ordering your Moondrop May or any other IEM helps fund our free service at no extra cost to you.

Price: $74.99

Buy Moondrop May on HiFiGO

Aful Explorer User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!

Moondrop May User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!

Aful Explorer Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.7

Gaming Grade

B+

Moondrop May Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

5.6

Gaming Grade

B-

Aful Explorer Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B+
  • A mostly enjoyable signature keeps things listenable despite a handful of quirks. It handles most playlists without major complaints.

Average Technical Grade

B+
  • The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
Bass B+
Expect a solid thump that keeps the rhythm engaging yet controlled. Sub-bass presence is supportive, not overwhelming.
Mids B
Expect a confident midrange that keeps details audible without harshness. Acoustic arrangements sound engaging.
Treble B+
Treble is articulate and clean, adding excitement without harshness. It adds sparkle without harshness.
Dynamics A-
You get outstanding dynamic agility, from subtle nuances to big hits. Impact comes with quick recovery.
Soundstage B
You can map the ensemble with confidence thanks to solid spacing and coherent depth layering. Ambient effects feel believable.
Details B+
Good resolution with clear articulation of nuances that keeps complex passages intelligible. Micro-details pop without sounding forced.
Imaging B+
Depth cues step forward, giving performances a dimensional presence. Front-to-back cues become more immersive.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance.

Moondrop May Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B-
  • Expect a friendly tonal balance that could use polish but remains inviting. Great for casual listening, less so for purists.

Average Technical Grade

B-
  • Overall technicalities are acceptable, delivering enough clarity for casual sessions. Imaging is serviceable though not immersive.
Bass A-
The bass hits with conviction, offering both punch and clarity. It reaches low with confidence and control.
Mids B+
The mids are articulate and well-balanced, lending body to instruments. Instrument layering remains stable.
Treble C+
Highs come through with reasonable clarity while staying mostly smooth. Sibilance is mostly controlled.
Dynamics C+
Dynamic performance is decent, delivering respectable macro swings with limited nuance. There's a fair amount of macrodynamic swing.
Soundstage B
You can map the ensemble with confidence thanks to solid spacing and coherent depth layering. Ambient effects feel believable.
Gaming B-
Moderate spatial presentation conveys general directionality. Suitable for casual play where precision isn't critical.

Aful Explorer User Reviews

Example User Posted on ...
0.0

"This is an example review"

Pros
  • Example pro 1
  • Example pro 2
Cons
  • Example con 1
  • Example con 2
No User-Reviews Yet

Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.

You need to be signed in to write your own review

Moondrop May User Reviews

Example User Posted on ...
0.0

"This is an example review"

Pros
  • Example pro 1
  • Example pro 2
Cons
  • Example con 1
  • Example con 2
No User-Reviews Yet

Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.

You need to be signed in to write your own review

Buy Moondrop May on Aliexpress

Ad
Using this affiliate link for ordering your Moondrop May or any other IEM helps fund our free service at no extra cost to you.

Price: $63

Buy Moondrop May on Aliexpress

Find your next IEM:

IEM Finder Quiz

new
Use this quiz and answer a few questions to get your individual IEM recommendation list
(1/3) How much are you willing to spend on the IEM?
(2/3) Which sound characteristics are particularly important to you?
(3/3) Which tuning do you prefer?
You can select multiple options.
Buy

Footer