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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
When choosing between the Etymotic ER4XR and the Moondrop Nekocake, consider that the Etymotic model offers higher sound quality but at a premium price and without extra features like wireless connectivity or a microphone. Conversely, the Moondrop Nekocake is more affordable, with additional conveniences such as being wireless and including a mic, making them suitable for calls and general daily use. The ER4XRs are geared toward audio enthusiasts who prioritize sound fidelity and detail over features, while the Nekocakes cater to those seeking a balance between quality and functionality without a high cost. Ultimately, it depends on whether you value superior sound isolation and detail for critical listening or if you prefer wireless convenience and a friendly price point for everyday use. 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 Etymotic ER4XR
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Moondrop Nekocake
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.0
5.7
The Etymotic ER4XR is very good for music, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Gaming
6.2
4.6
The Etymotic ER4XR is only fair for gaming, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Phone Calls
4.7
6.1
The Moondrop Nekocake is only fair for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER4XR is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
5.0
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for TV and video, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
7.0
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the Moondrop Nekocake is good.
Battery
N/A
3.0 Hours
The Etymotic ER4XR does not have a battery. The Moondrop Nekocake has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$234
$39
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the Moondrop Nekocake costs $39.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality, while the Moondrop Nekocake has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
7.7
The Moondrop Nekocake and Etymotic ER4XR are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Etymotic ER4XR and the Moondrop Nekocake compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER4XR | Moondrop Nekocake |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$234 | $39 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Moondrop | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2016 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 4.7/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 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 | 9.1/10 | 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 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 5.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Etymotic ER4XR
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | May 2015
"The Etymotic ER4XRs' top qualities are the detail and definition of the midrange, rewarding the closest listening. While the soundstage is large rather than gigantic, the excellent separation and spatial precision mean you can dive deep into music just as much as when wearing a pair of full-size open-backed headphones."
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 Etymotic ER4XR or the Moondrop Nekocake
About Etymotic
Etymotic Research is an American based research, development and manufacturing company founded in 1983. They invented the first insert earphones that were used for the diagnosis and research of hearing loss and other auditory disorders. They went on to pioneer the market of high fidelity, isolating, in-ear earphones.
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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