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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
For immersive at-home listening, the Audio Technica ATH M20X, as over-ear headphones, provide better sound isolation and typically more comprehensive sound than the Moondrop Nekocake earbuds; however, they are bulkier and less portable. The Moondrop Nekocake offers easier portability and integrated microphone for calls, but may not deliver the same level of audio detail. The ATH M20X, being more expensive, can be seen as an investment for enhanced home listening, whereas the Moondrop Nekocake could be more convenient for on-the-go use and if you need a budget-friendly option with added features like a microphone for phone calls. 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 Audio Technica ATH M20X
- Good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Moondrop Nekocake
- Very good for air travel
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
5.7
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for music, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Gaming
6.2
4.6
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for gaming, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
6.1
The Moondrop Nekocake is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
7.7
The Moondrop Nekocake is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
5.0
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for TV and video, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
7.0
The Moondrop Nekocake is good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Battery
N/A
3.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M20X does not have a battery. The Moondrop Nekocake has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$49
$39
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Moondrop Nekocake costs $39.
Build Quality
6.9
8.5
The Moondrop Nekocake has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Moondrop Nekocake compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Moondrop Nekocake |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $39 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Moondrop | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 4.7/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 5.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 12 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 5.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M20X
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Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"Audio-Technica positively defies what you can expect for around $50. Ultimately, Audio-Technica did not design the ATH-M20x to go on the subway with you. It’s for the budget-conscious, do-it-yourself producer, podcaster, or studio that needs to buy tracking cans in bulk. If you don’t need the most deluxe, comfortable headphones, maybe you’ll like the ATH-M20x for its spartan functionality. The headphones are aimed at giving you the minimum requirements without it feeling like a sacrifice."
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 Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Moondrop Nekocake
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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