u/GeneralOk2349

I’m looking to grab a new pair of budget TWS and I’ve narrowed it down to the Moondrop Pudding and the Space Travel 2 Ultra, but I’m pretty split and could use some input from anyone who’s tried either (or both).

Here are the main things I’m weighing:

• Fit & Design: The biggest hesitation I have with the Pudding is the bean / stemless shape. Historically, I haven’t had the best luck with bean-style earbuds—they tend to feel unstable or cause pressure points for me compared to traditional stem designs (like the Space Travel). How secure/comfortable is the seal on the Pudding in real-world use? Does it sit deep, or is it awkward to seat properly?
• Noise Cancelling: ANC is pretty important to me. I know the ST2 Ultra claims upgrades with feed-forward AI ANC and the planar driver, while the Pudding runs a 4-mic real-time adaptive setup. In practice, which one actually cuts out engine hums, commuter chatter, and street noise better?
• Battery Life & Reliability: I really just want decent, reliable battery life without erratic drain or bugs (coming from the headaches with the CMF Buds Pro 2, I just want something that discharges evenly and doesn’t suddenly drop off). On paper, the Pudding advertises huge endurance (~12.5 hrs on buds / 41 total), while the ST2 Ultra is around 7 hrs / 24 hrs total. How accurate are these numbers with ANC on, and have there been any buggy case/charging connection issues?
• Sound Quality: I know the ST2 Ultra packs that 13mm annular planar driver with LDAC, while the Pudding uses a 10mm dynamic driver with LHDC. Does the planar speed and detail on the ST2 Ultra make up for its lower battery specs, or does the Pudding hold its own with its tuning and PEQ?

Given that I prefer a reliable fit, solid ANC, and dependable battery life, which way should I lean?