Moondrop May VS Kiwi Ears Foretza

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

Moondrop May and Kiwi Ears Foretza are in-ear monitors. Moondrop May costs $65 while Kiwi Ears Foretza costs $60. Moondrop May is $5 more expensive. Moondrop May holds a decisive 2-point edge in reviewer scores (6.5 vs 4.5). Moondrop May has significantly better mids with a 1.5-point edge, Moondrop May has significantly better treble with a 3-point edge and Moondrop May has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge.

Insights

Metric Moondrop May Kiwi Ears Foretza
Bass 7 4.5
Mids 6.5 5
Treble 5 2
Soundstage 6 6
Dynamics 5 4
Tonality 5.8 4.5
Technicalities 5.5 2
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough Kiwi Ears Foretza reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Moondrop May Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

6.5

Cautiously Favorable


Kiwi Ears Foretza Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

4.5

Generally Unfavorable


Reviews Comparison

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
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Kiwi Ears Foretza reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 4.5 Reviewer Score
C Tuning
E+ Tech
Tuning is a little wonky, but overall not terrible so far. Full review is possible.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: C+ Treble: E+ Dynamics: C- Soundstage: B

Moondrop May (more reviews)

Moondrop May reviewed by Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 7.5 * score rescaled + normalized

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

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

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 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

Moondrop May reviewed by Web Search

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.


Moondrop May User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Kiwi Ears Foretza User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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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-

Kiwi Ears Foretza Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

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

Gaming Score

2.8

Gaming Grade

D-

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.

Kiwi Ears Foretza Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

C
  • The tuning lacks refinement, jumping between dull and shouty without settling. Vocals frequently sound off-kilter.

Average Technical Grade

E+
  • Hopelessly smeared and congested, it struggles with basic instrument separation and loses detail even in simple tracks. Even casual listening quickly becomes tiring.
Mids C+
Midrange performance is decent, offering balanced presence without major flaws. It works well for casual background listening.
Treble E+
Treble feels muted, reducing brilliance and sheen across tracks. Recordings lack their usual energy.
Dynamics C-
Expect modest dynamics that keep music listenable without thrill. Micro-contrast is serviceable.
Soundstage B
Good soundstage with proper width and depth, placing instruments in clearly defined positions. Instruments sit in their own lanes.
Gaming D-
Compromised imaging significantly impacts gameplay awareness. Directional cues often lack accuracy or consistency.

Moondrop May User Reviews

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Kiwi Ears Foretza User Reviews

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