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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The decision between Apple AirPods (2nd generation) and Audeze LCD 2 Classic largely depends on your personal needs and preferences. If portability and convenience are your priorities, along with a friendly price tag, Apple AirPods are a solid choice; they're wireless, compact, and have good connectivity with Apple devices. On the other hand, if you're an audiophile looking for the best sound quality, especially for at-home listening, the Audeze LCD 2 Classic headphones stand out with superior audio fidelity, larger drivers for better bass response, and detailed soundstage. However, they are significantly more expensive and less convenient for on-the-go use. You won't get the same level of noise isolation or the wireless freedom with the Audeze as you do with the AirPods, but for critical listening, the sound quality is in a different league. Consider what's more important for you: everyday practicality and budget-friendliness with the AirPods, or high-end audio quality with the Audeze, keeping in mind the price difference and lack of portability. 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 Audeze LCD 2 Classic
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
5.8
9.2
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
7.3
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
4.8
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
TV and Video
5.4
8.6
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very 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 Audeze LCD 2 Classic does not have a battery.
Cost
$130
$799
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $130 and the Audeze LCD 2 Classic costs $799.
Build Quality
7.6
10.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
7.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (2nd generation) to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Audeze LCD 2 Classic are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Audeze LCD 2 Classic compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Audeze LCD 2 Classic |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$130 | $799 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Audeze | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | November 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 7.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 8.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 4.4/10 | |
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 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 635 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Audeze LCD 2 Classic
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The Greatest Song
Greatest Song Team | August 2023
"These headphones outdo rival planar magnetic headphones, especially in terms of dynamics. Compared to the Hifiman Ananda or the Hifiman Edition XS there is noticeably more slam in the sound, particularly in the bass. The LCD-2C gives you a fantastic sense of quiet dynamics with crystalline precision. This is evident also in our clinical tests, where it’s just easier to understand spoken text at very low volumes."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Audeze LCD 2 Classic
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.
About Audeze
Audeze is an, award-winning, American premium headphone manufacturer based in California. Founded in 2008, their products are developed around aerospace materials technology first used by NASA and are widely used by enthusiasts and professionals alike, not only in the fields of music and sound engineering but also in e-sports and the health industry.
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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
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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