The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're on a tight budget and primarily use earbuds for casual music listening, calls, and meetings, the Apple Earpods may be better due to their lower price and good microphone quality. However, if you prioritize a better build quality, use your earbuds during exercise, and need them to be wireless and sweatproof, you might find the Moondrop Nekocake more suitable despite the higher cost. The Earpods don't block much background noise and have a wired connection, while the Nekocake offers better noise isolation and wireless convenience but at a steeper price. 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 Earpods
Good for music
Very good for phone calls
Very good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Moondrop Nekocake
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8/10
5.7/10
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Gaming
8.3/10
4.6/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0/10
6.1/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Moondrop Nekocake is only fair.
TV and Video
7.4/10
5.0/10
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
7.0/10
The Moondrop Nekocake is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
3.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Moondrop Nekocake has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$39
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Moondrop Nekocake costs $39.
Build Quality
7.6/10
8.5/10
The Moondrop Nekocake has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
"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 Earpods 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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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
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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.