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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize seamless integration with Apple products and wireless convenience, then the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) may better suit your needs, but at a higher cost. They offer easy pairing with Apple devices and support for features like "Hey Siri". On the other hand, if you are looking for high sound quality at a more affordable price and don't mind a wired connection, the Moondrop Chu could be a better choice. The Chu earbuds are known for excellent audio performance in their price range, but they lack the wireless capabilities and tight ecosystem integration of the AirPods. Keep in mind that AirPods also come with benefits like spatial audio and a more compact design, while the Moondrop Chu will likely offer a different sound signature that may appeal to audiophiles on a budget. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Moondrop Chu
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
7.9
The Moondrop Chu and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for music, though the Moondrop Chu is somewhat better.
Gaming
5.4
8.0
The Moondrop Chu is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
8.8
The Moondrop Chu is very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
7.6
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Moondrop Chu is good.
TV and Video
5.5
7.5
The Moondrop Chu is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The Moondrop Chu is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Moondrop Chu does not have a battery.
Cost
$179
$21
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Moondrop Chu costs $21.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the Moondrop Chu has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Moondrop Chu compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Moondrop Chu |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $21 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Moondrop | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | April 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 8.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | In-Line | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Moondrop Chu
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2022
"These budget buds put the pressure on those premium priced in-ear monitors to really justify the cost disparity. Offering excellent sound quality at any price, the Moondrop Chu is both a perfect entry into the audio enthusiast hobby, and an all around good pick for music fans."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Moondrop Chu
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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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.
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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