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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you're looking for a more affordable option with good overall sound quality for casual use, particularly with Apple products thanks to chip integration, the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) could serve you well. They're highly portable and offer fast charging, yet they have poorer soundstage and no active noise cancelling. In contrast, the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX boast superior sound quality, active noise cancellation, and better durability, making them ideal for immersive listening and travel, but they come at a premium price and have a longer charging time. Consider your budget and whether features like soundstage, noise cancellation, and build quality are priorities for you. 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)
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX
- Good for music
- Excellent for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Very good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.9
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
9.3
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is excellent for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
5.3
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
6.1
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is only fair.
TV and Video
5.4
8.9
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$130
$399
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $130 and the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX costs $399.
Build Quality
7.6
10.0
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has best in class build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$130 | $399 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Bang and Olufsen | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 9.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 6.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 22 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX
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Leaf and Core
Danielle | January 2023
"If you’ve wanted truly wireless headphones, but couldn’t pick them up because they sound terrible, these will be the headphones that win you over. If you’re the kind of person who would consider spending $400 on headphones, these are the right truly wireless headphones for you."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX
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 Bang and Olufsen
Bang and Olufsen is an almost century-old electronic goods manufacturer based in Denmark with a very special focus on design. Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen created the first AC radio in 1925 and went on to develop televisions, telephones and, of course, headphones and loudspeakers. Today, they are partnered with several companies, like Audi, BMW and Aston Martin, to provide very high-quality audio solutions.
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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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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