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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) offer better call and music quality, and are more adaptable to various uses like exercise or air travel due to their superior build quality and features like sweat proofing. AirPods also have a longer battery life and support wireless charging, which the Moondrop Nekocake lacks. However, if noise isolation is a priority, the Nekocake provides better performance. Keep in mind the AirPods are optimized for Apple devices and include features like ear detection, which Nekocake does not, making them a more seamless choice for iPhone users despite being pricier. 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 music
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Moondrop Nekocake
- The Moondrop Nekocake has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods (3rd generation).
Key differences
Music
7.1
5.7
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for music, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Gaming
5.4
4.6
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Moondrop Nekocake are both poor for gaming, though the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
7.6
6.1
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Moondrop Nekocake is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
7.7
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Moondrop Nekocake is good.
TV and Video
5.5
5.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Moondrop Nekocake are both poor for TV and video, though the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
2.5
7.0
The Moondrop Nekocake is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
3.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Moondrop Nekocake has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$39
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Moondrop Nekocake costs $39.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the Moondrop Nekocake has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Moondrop Nekocake compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Moondrop Nekocake |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $39 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Moondrop | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 4.7/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 5.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 5.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
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 Nekocake
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Dig into reviews and images
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 (3rd 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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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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