Hands down the cheapest usable TWS with ANC.
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Ingredients List:
MoonDrop NekoCake (S$49.90)
As 2021 approaches the end, we now take a quick look at the latest offering from MoonDrop. At just under S$50, this probably is the best usable TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earphones with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) that is usable in this bracket.
Specification and Features
- Bluetooth version: 5.0
- Bluetooth Protocol Support: A2DP/AVRCP/HFP/HSP/SBC/AAC
- Charging port: Type-C
- Impedance: 32±15%Ω@1kHz
- Working distance: 10m
- Charging time (Earpiece): About 1 hour
- Charging time (Charging case): About 1.5 hours
- Battery capacity (Earpiece): 3.7V/ 37mAh
- Battery capacity (Charging case): 3.7V/ 380mAh
- Battery life (Earpiece): About 4 hours (ANC disabled), About 2 hours (ANC enabled)
- Battery life (Charging case): About 12 hours
My Experience
The attention to detail extends to the carry case, and even the fine prints on the earpiece itself. Long touching (2s, with audible alert) toggles the ANC feature. In my tests below, ANC is enabled. My experience with ANC is mostly limited to my wonderful pair of Sony WH-1000XM4.
Bus Rides: Low engine rumbles still audible, but that is also true on the WH-1000XM4 with ANC cranked to full throttle. If the XM4 reduced the noise to 10%, the NekoCake is approximately at 25%
Train Rides: Door closing alerts still get through a little, but in train announcements are inaudible to me.
Light Chatter (around me, outdoors, mask-on unfortunately): Eliminated.
Powered by a single dynamic driver, the NekoCake is tuned to a pleasant warm and fairly V-shaped out of the box. Using the Moondrop Link app and setting the EQ to Classic is the way I like to use it — relatively balanced with cleaner mid-bass.
Conclusion
So should you get them? As far as I can tell, these are probably the only TWS in 2021 that are usable for just under S$50. If this fits your budget, do give it a shot!
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