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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality, comfort, and features like active noise cancelling and sweatproof certification, then the JBL Live Buds 3 would be the better choice despite being more expensive. They also offer longer battery life, a smart charging case with a touch display, and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices. However, for a more budget-friendly option with still good sound and noise isolation, the Moondrop Nekocake might suffice, though you'll sacrifice call quality and some of the premium features like wireless charging and an app equalizer that the JBL offers. 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 JBL Live Buds 3
- Good for music
- Very good for exercise
Advantages of the Moondrop Nekocake
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8
5.7
The JBL Live Buds 3 is good for music, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Gaming
5.4
4.6
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Moondrop Nekocake are both poor for gaming, though the JBL Live Buds 3 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
5.2
6.1
The Moondrop Nekocake is only fair for phone calls, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.9
7.7
The Moondrop Nekocake is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
TV and Video
5.6
5.0
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Moondrop Nekocake are both poor for TV and video, though the JBL Live Buds 3 is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
8.3
7.0
The JBL Live Buds 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Moondrop Nekocake is good.
Battery
10.0 Hours
3.0 Hours
The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life. The Moondrop Nekocake has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$216
$39
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The JBL Live Buds 3 has a price of $216 and the Moondrop Nekocake costs $39.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The JBL Live Buds 3 and Moondrop Nekocake both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Live Buds 3 and the Moondrop Nekocake compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Buds 3 | Moondrop Nekocake |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$216 | $39 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Moondrop | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2024 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 4.7/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 8.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.8 Grams | 5.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
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 JBL Live Buds 3 or the Moondrop Nekocake
About JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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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Why trust us
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.
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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.
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