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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize a more affordable option with good sound quality, the Moondrop Nekocake may suit you, offering good audio performance at a lower cost. On the other hand, if you're willing to invest more for a sturdier build and possibly better overall sound with deeper bass, the Beats EP could be the better choice, although they are pricier. The Beats EP are on-ear headphones, which some find more comfortable for longer listening sessions, but they lack the convenience of wireless connectivity, which the Moondrop Nekocake earbuds provide. Consider also that earbuds like the Nekocake are more portable, but on-ear headphones like the Beats EP can offer a different sound isolation experience. 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 Beats EP
- Very 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
8.1
5.7
The Beats EP is very good for music, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Gaming
6.3
4.6
The Beats EP is only fair for gaming, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Phone Calls
4.2
6.1
The Moondrop Nekocake is only fair for phone calls, while the Beats EP is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
7.7
The Moondrop Nekocake is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
5.0
The Beats EP is good for TV and video, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
7.0
The Moondrop Nekocake is good for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
Battery
N/A
3.0 Hours
The Beats EP does not have a battery. The Moondrop Nekocake has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$39
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the Moondrop Nekocake costs $39.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.0
8.5
The Moondrop Nekocake and Beats EP both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats EP and the Moondrop Nekocake compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Moondrop Nekocake |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $39 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Moondrop | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 4.7/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | 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 | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 5.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
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 Beats EP or the Moondrop Nekocake
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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
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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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