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What we think
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
Phone Calls
6.9
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
7.0
The Moondrop Nekocake is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
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
$39
$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
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
Music
5.8
5.7
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Moondrop Nekocake are both poor for music.
Gaming
4.8
4.6
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Moondrop Nekocake are both poor for gaming.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
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
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
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Moondrop Nekocake |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $39 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Moondrop | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 4.7/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 5.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 12 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 5.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
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
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.
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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.
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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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