MOONDROP x Honkai: Star Rail Robin Review 

 

Introduction:

MOONDROP has made a name for itself in the audio world, known for crafting equipment that blends high fidelity sound with an anime inspired style. This popular Chinese portable audio brand began in 2015 as a small studio founded by hobbyist engineers, and has since focused on products like earbuds, true wireless stereo (TWS) and wired in ear monitors, cables, and USB DAC/amplifier dongles. Their latest offering, the MOONDROP Robin TWS IEM, is a special collaboration with Honkai: Star Rail.

The MOONDROP Robin feature a hybrid driver setup paired with an eye catching design. To provide a thorough review, I’ve put these earphones through extensive testing, evaluating their look, sound quality, software, hardware, battery life, and noise cancellation. My aim is to offer a balanced perspective for both sound enthusiasts and fans of Honkai: Star Rail.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank Shenzhen Audio and MOONDROP for providing me the Robin TWS IEM for review purposes. I am not affiliated with Shenzhen Audio and MOONDROP beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product.

 

Price & Availability:

The MOONDROP Robin has a retail price of 119.99 US dollars. This pricing places it as a competitive option within the market for true wireless in-ear monitors (TWS IEMs) that feature advanced driver configurations and unique design elements. More information’s can be found under the link below;

• MOONDROP x Honkai: Star Rail Robin TWS IEM

 

Package & Accessories:

Opening the MOONDROP Robin’s box is an experience in itself, especially for Honkai: Star Rail fans. The earphones are housed in a solid white box with a glossy sleeve featuring Robin’s artwork, giving it a collectible appeal. Overall, the packaging feels substantial and well-designed.

Inside the box are the following items/accessories;

• 1 x pair of MOONDROP Robin TWS IEMs
• 3 x pairs of MOONDROP Standard Silicone Ear Tips
• 3 x pairs of MOONDROP Spring Silicone Ear Tips
• 1 x Charging Case1 x Leather Case
• 1 x Acrylic Brick (a unique collectible for fans)
• 1 x Print Material (Warranty Card, Product Instruction)

The assortment of ear tips, including MOONDROP’s spring tips with their acoustic diffusion structure, allows for a personalized fit and sound.

The leather case and acrylic brick add a premium, fan-centric touch, making the unboxing both practical and exciting.

 

Design & Build Quality:

The MOONDROP Robin’s design thoughtfully combines its look with its purpose. Made from medical-grade resin, these earphones are smooth and light, offering both strength and a comfortable feel. Their style centers on a frosted white base, enhanced by a purple, iridescent finish on the purple parts that changes color with the light, creating a dynamic visual. This choice adds to their quality feel and subtly connects to the Honkai: Star Rail theme.

The Robin’s faceplate is visually appealing. It is white with golden-yellow accents, featuring a treble clef on one earbud and a star on the other, both with subtle swirl patterns. These musical and celestial motifs contribute to a whimsical and artistic aesthetic.

These musical and celestial motifs contribute to a whimsical and artistic aesthetic. Subtle Honkai: Star Rail artwork of Robin is etched onto the surface, a discreet detail for fans that still maintains a sophisticated look for all. This touch-sensitive surface allows for straightforward controls like playing, pausing, and navigating tracks. While generally smooth, some users have noted occasional issues with responsiveness. A small LED indicator, integrated into the artwork, gently pulses to show connection or battery status, keeping the faceplate’s appearance clean. This blend of art and function makes the faceplate a notable feature for those who appreciate both style and a collector’s item.

Looking inside, the inner surface has a precisely angled sound nozzle, designed for accurate sound and comfort. Made from medical grade resin, this nozzle, especially with ear tip options like MOONDROP’s spring tips, provides effective passive noise isolation, comparable to wired IEMs.

A metal mesh filter protects the 10mm dynamic and 6mm planar drivers from debris, helping with durability. The nozzle’s ergonomic shape is made to fit most ear shapes, creating a good seal for long listening periods. This careful construction aims to improve both sound quality and long-term reliability.

The inner side features the connector interfaces that includes two charging pins that align magnetically with the charging case, ensuring a dependable power connection. These magnets help with correct placement and prevent accidental dislodging.

A photo sensor near the pins detects when an earphone is worn, providing a more user-friendly and intuitive experience for daily use. This feature automatically pauses playback when it’s removed, which adds practical convenience. The interface is designed to be streamlined, keeping the earphones’ sleek overall shape.

 

Charging Case:

The charging case is a key feature, both in its look and use. It’s a compact, cylindrical unit with a frosted white finish that feels smooth and premium. Its transparent plexiglass lid displays Robin’s Honkai: Star Rail artwork, creating a dynamic, almost holographic effect as light reflects and changes with your viewing angle. Three simple LED indicators under the plexiglass show battery and charging status, matching the earphones’ own LEDs. The spring loaded lid, while sometimes prone to smudges, opens smoothly to reveal horizontal magnetic seats that hold the earphones securely.

The 470mAh battery supports both USB C and wireless charging. It’s worth noting that the lid’s thinner construction feels a bit less sturdy than the main resin body, but a USB C port on the base ensures easy charging. While it has some presence, the case is still easy to carry in a pocket. This mix of striking design and practical features makes the case a prominent part of the product.

Overall, the build quality is good. The earphones weigh just 7g and the case (with earphones) is 60g, making them light yet durable. The pseudo custom shell design contributes to comfort and good passive noise isolation, making for an enjoyable listening experience.

 

Battery Life: 

The Robin’s ergonomic design, inspired by in ear monitors, aims for comfort for most users. Its lightweight 7g build and pseudo custom shell fit snugly in the ear. The included multiple ear tip options, including spring tips, allow for a personalized fit, which enhances passive noise isolation to a level comparable with wired IEMs. The hybrid ANC effectively reduces low frequency noises, like those from air conditioning systems or train hums. However, it is less effective against high frequency sounds such as conversations. The transparency mode works well for staying aware of your surroundings. A “stethoscope effect” (hearing internal body sounds) can occur during movement, but choosing the right ear tips can help minimize this. Hissing noise is generally minimal, though a faint sound might be audible with LDAC at very low volumes, making the Robin suitable for quiet environments.

 

Comfort, Isolation & Hissing:

Pairing the Robin is straightforward: simply remove the earphones from the case, and they automatically enter pairing mode. Bluetooth 5.4 provides a stable connection up to 10 meters in open areas.  The earphones support SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs, and also offer multipoint connectivity for pairing with two devices at once. Call quality is dependable, with dual microphones and environmental noise cancellation (ENC) helping to provide clear voice transmission in moderately noisy settings.  However, in louder environments, some background noise might be present. Occasional connection drops or high frequency noise with LDAC are typically resolved by resetting the earphones. A pleasant detail for fans is that Robin’s voice prompts feature lines from her Honkai: Star Rail character.

 

Pairing, Signal Strength & Call Quality:

Pairing the Robin is effortless—remove the earphones from the case, and they enter pairing mode automatically. Bluetooth 5.4 ensures a stable connection up to 10 meters in open spaces, supporting SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs, plus multipoint connectivity for dual-device pairing. Call quality is dependable, with dual microphones and environmental noise cancellation (ENC) providing clear voice transmission in moderately noisy settings, though busier environments may introduce some background noise.

Rare connection drops or high-frequency noise with LDAC are typically resolved by resetting the earphones. Robin’s voice prompts, featuring her Honkai: Star Rail lines, add a delightful touch for fans.

 

Moondrop Link APP:

The MOONDROP Link app, available for both iOS and Android devices, offers several customization options. Through the app, you can adjust ANC and transparency mode settings, modify touch controls, and select from five Equalizer (EQ) profiles: Default, Ultra Bass, POP Style, MOONDROP Classic, and Monitor. Users can also switch between LDAC and LC3 codecs, enable wear detection, and update the firmware.

The app is generally easy to use on Android but has had occasional bugs on iOS, such as crashes or temporary connectivity issues. The EQ profiles cater to different sound preferences, with MOONDROP Classic offering a balanced sound. Some preset options, like POP Style, can seem a bit understated, and the app could benefit from improved stability on iOS and more distinct EQ options.

 

Technical Specifications:

• Model                          : Robin (MD-TWS-040)
• Bluetooth Version       : 5.4
• Bluetooth Protocols    : A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
• Bluetooth Codecs       : SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3
• Driver Type                 : 10mm Tin Ceramic Dome Diaphragm DD + 6mm Annular Planar Treble Driver
• Charging Port             : USB-C, Wireless Charging Supported
• Working Distance       : Up to 10 Meters (barrier-free)
• Battery Capacity         : 470mAh (Charging Case) / 40mAh (Earphone)
• Battery Life                 : 9 hours (earphones, AAC, ANC off), 30 hours (case), 5-6 hours (ANC/LDAC on)
• Charging Time            : ~2 hours (earphones), ~2.5 hours (case)

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• TWS Earphones       : MOONDROP Robin
• Source                       : Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (LDAC)

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Jazz: Diana Krall – “So Wonderful,” Norah Jones – “Come Away With Me”
• Pop: Adele – “My Little Love,” Lorde – “Royals,” Billie Eilish – “Bad Guy”
• Classical: Vivaldi – “The Four Seasons,” Chopin – “Nocturne No. 20”
• Rock: Muse – “The Handler,” U2 – “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” Nirvana – “Come As You Are”
• Electronic: Daft Punk – “Doin’ it Right,” Massive Attack – “Angel,” Yosi Horikawa – “Bubbles”
• Metal: Metallica – “Sad but True,” Slayer – “Angel of Death,” Megadeth – “Symphony of Destruction”
• World: Otto Liebert – “The River”

 

The Sound:

These impressions are based on 50 hours of listening using the MOONDROP Classic EQ profile, paired with a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (LDAC codec) and MOONDROP Spring Silicone Tips. I tested the Robin across various music genres to provide a detailed and objective assessment. The focus for midrange, treble, and soundstage is on instruments, as requested, while the bass section remains as is.

Bass:

The Robin’s 10mm Tin ceramic dome diaphragm dynamic driver produces bass that emphasizes control and precision over sheer power, aligning with MOONDROP’s VDSF inspired tuning. The subbass reaches a moderate depth, offering a satisfying rumble in tracks like Massive Attack’s “Angel.” It captures the texture of low-end frequencies without dominating the mix. For example, the pulsating beat in Daft Punk’s “Doin’ it Right” feels clear but controlled, lacking the extreme intensity some bass enthusiasts might prefer.

The midbass is tight and distinct, ensuring instruments like kick drums in Metallica’s “Sad but True” or bass guitars in Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” remain clear and do not blend into the midrange. While suitable for jazz, classical, and rock, the bass might feel subtle for fans of EDM or hip hop. The Ultra Bass EQ profile adds a small boost, making Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” sound fuller, but it can also introduce a slight artificial quality that reduces clarity. Compared to higher end in ear monitors, the bass does not offer the highest level of detail. However, for a TWS earphone at this price, it provides a balanced and adaptable sound, appealing to listeners who prefer a neutral sound over exaggerated bass.

 

 

Midrange:

The midrange is a strong point, offering a warm yet clear presentation that brings instruments to life with a natural sound. The lower midrange provides sufficient depth, making instruments like cellos or acoustic guitars sound rich and full bodied yet clear. For example, the warmth of a double bass or the texture of a piano’s lower notes is conveyed without sounding muddy, maintaining a balanced sound.

The upper midrange, handled by the 6mm planar driver, excels with vibrant detail, making violins and flutes sound expressive and distinct. The crispness of a saxophone’s mid to high notes or the pluck of a harp is reproduced with good accuracy, avoiding any harshness. In complex arrangements, such as jazz trios or orchestral pieces, the midrange’s clarity ensures instruments like violas and clarinets are clearly separated without sounding crowded. While the lower midrange is slightly less prominent than the upper, the overall balance is cohesive, performing well in genres like classical, jazz, and acoustic music. The Robin may not match the intensity of premium wired in ear monitors, but it delivers a refined midrange for a TWS earphone, suitable for natural instrument reproduction.

 

 

Treble:

The 6mm annular planar driver produces a treble performance that combines smoothness with detail, ensuring comfort during long listening sessions. The lower treble is crisp, providing clear articulation for instruments like cymbals and hi hats, which sound sharp yet controlled without being overly harsh. For instance, the shimmer of a ride cymbal or the clarity of a triangle in an orchestral setting is reproduced with precision. A gradual reduction in sound around 8 to 10 kHz helps prevent listening fatigue. However, this also limits the spaciousness of high-pitched instruments like piccolos or harps, which might lack the sparkle some audiophiles prefer.

The MOONDROP Classic EQ profile enhances treble presence, adding brilliance to a violin’s upper notes or a celesta’s chime, though some frequencies can feel slightly emphasized. Compared to budget TWS earphones, the Robin’s treble is refined, avoiding the sharpness often found in its category. It performs well for jazz and pop, offering enough detail for most listeners, but might feel reserved for genres like classical that require extreme clarity. The treble’s controlled nature ensures comfort without losing important detail.

 

Soundstage & Imaging:

The Robin’s soundstage is notably wide for a TWS in ear monitor, offering a broad presentation with moderate depth. Instruments like violins and oboes in an orchestral arrangement are placed naturally across the stage, creating an engaging experience. The separation of instruments, such as distinguishing a guitar from a drum kit in a rock group or isolating a bassoon from a cello in a chamber piece, is precise. However, the imaging does not reach the exact accuracy of wired IEM’s. The VDSF inspired tuning and hybrid driver setup contribute to an open and unified sound, allowing layered instruments like synth pads and percussion in electronic music to sound distinct.

 

 

Conclusion:

The MOONDROP x Honkai: Star Rail Robin TWS IEM offers a compelling combination of solid audio performance and an eye-catching design. Its hybrid driver setup delivers a balanced sound with solid bass, a natural midrange, and smooth treble, making it suitable for a variety of music genres. The iridescent faceplate and charging case enhance its visual appeal, while the ergonomic fit and sturdy build ensure comfort and durability. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) effectively reduces low-frequency noise, and the app provides useful customization options. However, bass resolution could be improved. Priced at $119.99, the Robin stands out in the budget TWS market, attracting both audiophiles and Honkai fans.

 

Pros & Cons:

• + Balanced, engaging sound with hybrid drivers
• + Striking iridescent faceplate and collectible charging case
• + Comfortable fit with excellent passive isolation
• + Strong battery life with wireless charging
• + Customizable via MOONDROP Link app
• + Stable Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint support

• – Bass resolution could be stronger
• – ANC less effective for high-frequency noises
• – Auto-pause/play sensor is a bit unreliable; firmware update needed

 

Thank you for the Read!