Moondrop’s $25 ‘Outdated Customary’ Wired Headphones Are God-Tier ’90s Nostalgia

As a 30-something millennial, I used to be barely alive for the ’90s, however that doesn’t cease my mouth from watering each time I see a brand new, clear gadget I can throw cash at. I can’t assist it, okay? It’s in my programming. And clearly Moondrop, a China-based audio {hardware} firm, is aware of that since its new headphones are hitting all of the pitch-perfect ’90s-coded notes.

📌 We’re thrilled to introduce one other thrilling product, the Outdated Customary on-ear headphones. This mannequin is a contemporary reimagining of traditional compact headphones, designed to ship timeless sound high quality. Priced at US$24.99.

It options:
– 40mm massive dynamic driver
– Open-back… pic.twitter.com/RZQ4NZXiJJ

— MOONDROP (@MoondropLab) November 28, 2025

The lately launched Old Fashioned wired headphones (that’s the identify of the headphones, not my description of them) feel and appear the half, and so they’re even priced like they’re from the golden period of grunge at $25. On a purely aesthetic stage, the Outdated Customary have a see-through housing and a nostalgic, nearly Koss-like design to them. The “Outdated Customary” branding on the facet is somewhat corny, I’ll admit, however I’ll additionally forgive Moondrop because the relaxation seems fairly rad.

Identical to headphones of yore, the Outdated Customary even have an open-back design that will pair completely with a Walkman and a telescopic headband for measurement changes and earcups that swivel. I wager the froth on these earcups makes your ears itch just a bit, too. Mmm, nostalgia.

It’s not all scrumptious ’90s nostalgia, although. The Outdated Customary additionally modernize a traditional headphone design with some new methods, together with using a 40mm dynamic driver, which is similar driver measurement discovered on a lot bigger wi-fi headphones just like the Nothing Headphone 1, for instance. One in every of my favourite inclusions is a dose of modularity. Each the earcups and the headscarf are removable, to allow them to both get replaced or personalized. Moondrop says, “DIY customization is inspired,” so for those who’re the 3D printing sort, you may snag these dangerous boys and get to work.

In line with that modularity, Moondrop says it’s utilizing a reasonably common 0.78mm two-pin cable, which needs to be simply replaceable if yours will get broken or worn down over time. It additionally comes with an ordinary 3.5mm plug as a result of, duh. Clearly, if you wish to use these dangerous boys with a telephone that doesn’t include a headphone jack, you’re gonna want a dongle.

Altogether, the headphones are not any frills, however that’s form of the purpose. If you’d like the very best lively noise cancellation or spatial audio and all the opposite high-tech bells and whistles, you may go run out and purchase a pair of Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)—I’ve examined them at size, and so they’re nice. Or, you may throw it again with a $25 pair of headphones that look cool and may really sound higher than you’d assume for the worth. The phrase is out on that final half since I haven’t tried them myself, however I’d be mendacity if I stated the Outdated Customary didn’t have me on the verge of spending $25 to seek out out.