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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is a pricier option, providing a higher overall sound quality and better noise isolation, which may be preferable if you value immersive listening experiences and quiet environments. Both options are wireless, making them convenient for on-the-go use, but neither are optimal for low-latency needs like gaming or watching TV. 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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
- The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has no clear advantages over the Moondrop Nekocake.
Advantages of the Moondrop Nekocake
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.7
5.7
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is only fair for music, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Gaming
5.3
4.6
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Moondrop Nekocake are both poor for gaming, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
5.0
6.1
The Moondrop Nekocake is only fair for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
7.7
The Moondrop Nekocake is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
TV and Video
5.6
5.0
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Moondrop Nekocake are both poor for TV and video, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
8.3
7.0
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the Moondrop Nekocake is good.
Battery
5.0 Hours
3.0 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The Moondrop Nekocake has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$181
$39
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has a price of $181 and the Moondrop Nekocake costs $39.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.9
8.5
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Moondrop Nekocake both have very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and the Moondrop Nekocake compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 | Moondrop Nekocake |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$181 | $39 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | Moondrop | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.8/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 4.7/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 5.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.75 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 19 | 12 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6 Grams | 5.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
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Dig into reviews and images
Major HiFi
Chris Golembeski | January 2023
"Bowers and Wilkins isn’t looking to make an obscure, premium wireless bud catered specifically towards audiophiles. Instead, it seems apparent that they’re going for the crown: a cool and popular look, an easy and comfortable fit, and an engaging stage with a great balance that is perfectly suited for mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike."
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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 or the Moondrop Nekocake
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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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