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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you are looking for affordability with reasonable sound quality, the Moondrop Nekocake may be the right choice as it is significantly less expensive. However, if superior noise cancellation, audio fidelity, and additional features such as a better microphone and virtual surround sound are a priority, and you don't mind spending more, the Sony WF1000XM5 would be the better option. Keep in mind that the Sony's may also offer more advanced controls and longer battery life, which can enhance your listening experience, especially during long sessions or when travelling. 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 Moondrop Nekocake
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
5.7
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Gaming
4.6
5.1
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Moondrop Nekocake are both poor for gaming, though the Sony WF1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.1
5.0
The Moondrop Nekocake is only fair for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
4.9
The Moondrop Nekocake is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
7.0
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the Moondrop Nekocake is good.
Battery
3.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Moondrop Nekocake has 3 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$39
$298
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Moondrop Nekocake has a price of $39 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
5.0
5.4
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Moondrop Nekocake are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Moondrop Nekocake and Sony WF1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the Moondrop Nekocake and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Moondrop Nekocake | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$39 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Moondrop | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.7/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.2/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.7/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.6/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 3 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 12 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 7/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.4/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 6 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."
Sony WF1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Moondrop Nekocake or the Sony WF1000XM5
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).
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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
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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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