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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're considering the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) over the Apple EarPods primarily based on price, the EarPods are cheaper and provide basic functionality with decent sound quality. However, the AirPods offer a wireless experience with better sound quality, convenience of use due to the absence of cables, and additional features like automatic pausing when removed from the ears. AirPods also have a charging case that extends their battery life significantly over the EarPods. Choose EarPods for a budget-friendly option or AirPods if you prefer wireless convenience and enhanced features, acknowledging the higher 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 Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Apple Earpods
- Good for music
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.8
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
8.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
8.0
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
7.4
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
5.4
7.4
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Apple Earpods does not have a battery.
Cost
$130
$20
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $130 and the Apple Earpods costs $20.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Apple Earpods are both poor for noise reduction.
Build Quality
7.6
7.6
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Apple Earpods both have good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Apple Earpods compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Apple Earpods |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$130 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | September 1, 2012 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 4.1/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 8.3/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 6.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | In-Line | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Apple Earpods
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CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Apple Earpods
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
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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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
122,900
Recommendations made
18,435
Consumer hours saved
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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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