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Airpods (2nd generation)
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Nekocake
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What we think

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The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·

If your primary focus is sound quality for music, the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) provide a slightly better experience. However, if you plan to use earbuds for making calls and attending meetings, the AirPods also offer marginally better microphone quality. On the flip side, the Moondrop Nekocake outperforms the AirPods in build quality, suggesting greater durability, and offers superior sound isolation which can be beneficial in noisier environments. The Moondrop Nekocake is also a better choice for active noise cancelling, a feature which the AirPods lack. Regarding price, the AirPods are typically much more expensive compared to the budget-friendly Nekocake. Additionally, while the AirPods are optimized for Apple devices, the Nekocake provides app equalizer and app controls customization, which enhances usability for a wider range of devices. Overall, if budget is a concern, or if you're looking for durability, sound isolation, and active noise cancellation, the Moondrop Nekocake may be the better option, while the AirPods might be preferable for a slightly improved audio quality for music and calls, especially for users with Apple devices. Give Feedback

this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
  • Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Moondrop Nekocake
  • Very good for air travel

Key differences

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Phone Calls

6.9
Airpods (2nd generation)
Nekocake
6.1
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Moondrop Nekocake are both only fair for phone calls, though the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is somewhat better.

Noise Reduction

2.5
Airpods (2nd generation)
Nekocake
7.0
The Moondrop Nekocake is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.

Battery

4.0 Hours
Airpods (2nd generation)
Nekocake
3.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Moondrop Nekocake has 3 hours of battery life.

Cost

$89
Airpods (2nd generation)
Nekocake
$39
Product image
Product image

$0

$50

$100

$150

$200

The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Moondrop Nekocake costs $39.

Build Quality

7.6
Airpods (2nd generation)
Nekocake
8.5
The Moondrop Nekocake has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities

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Music

5.8
Airpods (2nd generation)
Nekocake
5.7
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Moondrop Nekocake are both poor for music.

Gaming

4.8
Airpods (2nd generation)
Nekocake
4.6
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Moondrop Nekocake are both poor for gaming.

Podcasts and Audiobooks

8.1
Airpods (2nd generation)
Nekocake
7.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (2nd generation) to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Moondrop Nekocake is good.

TV and Video

5.4
Airpods (2nd generation)
Nekocake
5.0
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Moondrop Nekocake are both poor for TV and video.

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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Moondrop Nekocake compare to other earbuds and headphones

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Spec Comparison

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Apple Airpods (2nd generation)Moondrop Nekocake
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)Moondrop Nekocake

GENERAL

Price
$89
$39
Brand
AppleMoondrop
Release Date
March 1, 2019October 1, 2021
Form Factor
EarbudsEarbuds
Connectivity
WirelessWireless

SOUND

Music Score
5.9/105.7/10
Phone Calls Score
7/106.2/10
Gaming Score
4.9/104.7/10
TV and Video Score
5.5/105/10
Exercise Score
5.8/105.6/10

PERFORMANCE

Battery life
4 Hours3 Hours
Wireless charging
YesNo
Charging time
0.5 Hours1 Hours
Bluetooth version
55
Case Battery Life
2412

FEATURES

Active Noise Cancelling
NoYes
Noise Reduction Score
2.5/107/10
Virtual Surround
NoNo
Android App
NoYes
iOS App
NoYes
Mic Quality
6.5/105.4/10

BUILD AND DESIGN

Build Quality
7.6/108.5/10
Comfort score
7.6/107.6/10
Size
SmallMedium
Weight (headset or single earbud)
4 Grams5.4 Grams
Microphone style
IntegratedIntegrated

Shopping

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Apple Airpods (2nd generation)

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Moondrop Nekocake

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Headphonics

Jarvin | January 2022
"What sets the Nekocake apart from its competition at this price point is the Moondrop Link app that allows the user to change the tonal balance of the Nekocake. This makes sure that it’s versatile enough to suit different sonic preferences while allowing some customization of controls."

Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Moondrop Nekocake

About Apple

Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.

About Moondrop

Moondrop is a Chinese brand of smart audio equipment, portable audio players, earbuds and headphones started in 2015. During the last few years they have become one of the major players in what is lovingly referred to as the Chi-fi market, the bulk of Chinese companies that have managed to actually compete with the western manufacturers in both prices and superior quality. Products such as the Blessing II, Chu and Kato are among the most popular offerings of the brand, more popular among those users that wish for good quality audio that won't break the bank. Besides audio, the brand also works in what they call the ACGN field (Animation, Comics, Games and Short Novels).

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Why trust us

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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.

By the numbers

108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
123,200
Recommendations made
18,480
Consumer hours saved

About the Earbuds or Headphones team

Joe Golden, Ph.D

CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.

Jason Lew

Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.

Chandradeep Chowdhury

Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.

Luis Torres

Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.

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