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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Moondrop Nekocake earbuds are likely a better option if budget is a primary concern and you need something portable with good built-in controls, sweat resistance, and decent sound quality while on the move. They may also have a slight edge in midrange sound which can be pleasant for certain music genres and they’re optimized for both Android and Apple devices. However, while they do offer active noise cancelling, their noise isolation and battery life can’t match the Soundcore Life Q20. The Q20 headphones, are bulkier but have significantly better battery life and superior noise isolation, making them ideal for air travel and environments with a lot of background noise. The Q20 also has better bass and is more suited to a wide range of audio content, from music to podcasts. So, if you're looking for all-around headphones with long listening periods and excellent noise isolation, the Q20 might be worth the extra cost. 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 Soundcore Life Q20
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.7
7.0
The Soundcore Life Q20 is good for music, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Gaming
4.6
5.2
The Soundcore Life Q20 and Moondrop Nekocake are both poor for gaming, though the Soundcore Life Q20 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.1
4.9
The Moondrop Nekocake is only fair for phone calls, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
4.7
The Moondrop Nekocake is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Noise Reduction
7.0
8.7
The Soundcore Life Q20 is very good for noise reduction, while the Moondrop Nekocake is good.
Battery
3.0 Hours
32.3 Hours
The Moondrop Nekocake has 3 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Life Q20 has 32.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$39
$50
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Moondrop Nekocake has a price of $39 and the Soundcore Life Q20 costs $50.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
5.0
5.3
The Soundcore Life Q20 and Moondrop Nekocake are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The Moondrop Nekocake and Soundcore Life Q20 both have very good build quality.
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How the Moondrop Nekocake and the Soundcore Life Q20 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Moondrop Nekocake | Soundcore Life Q20 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$39 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Moondrop | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | November 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.7/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.2/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.7/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 3 Hours | 32.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1 Hours | 1.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 12 | N/A | |
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 | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.4/10 | 6.8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 258.5 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."
Soundcore Life Q20
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | January 2022
"As far as headphones that cost under $100 go, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is a really solid option. Like any good tool, it does the job well without much guff, and it’s affordable to boot. Sure: it’s not going toe to toe with any of the higher-end models of ANC headphones out there—but the headphones do well enough for commuters that it’s a good stand-in if you were never planning on spending a bunch of money anyway."
Get a great deal on the Moondrop Nekocake or the Soundcore Life Q20
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 Soundcore
Soundcore is a sub-brand belonging to Anker Innovations. Starting in 2014, initially marketing wireless, Bluetooth, speakers, Anker now offers an array of, budget-friendly, wireless earbuds and headphones that directly compete, especially in the Active Noise Canceling field, with other brands several times as expensive.
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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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