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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between Apple AirPods (2nd generation) and Beats EP depends on your priorities. AirPods are wireless, highly portable, and optimized for Apple devices, making them convenient for use on the go, with a seamless experience for iPhone users. They are suitable for casual music listening, phone calls, and light exercise, but might not be ideal for long-term use due to limited noise isolation and lower soundstage score. Beats EP, on the other hand, are wired headphones that provide better sound quality for listening to music and watching videos, with a superior soundstage and build quality. However, they aren't as portable, and being wired, they limit freedom of movement, which may not suit active lifestyles. If you prioritize mobility and wireless convenience, especially as an Apple device user, AirPods could serve you well, but for sound quality and a better listening experience at home or in less mobile situations, Beats EP may be the preferable choice. 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 Beats EP
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
5.8
8.1
The Beats EP is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
6.3
The Beats EP is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
4.2
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Beats EP is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
6.8
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
TV and Video
5.4
7.6
The Beats EP is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Beats EP and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
Battery
4.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Beats EP does not have a battery.
Cost
$130
$100
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $130 and the Beats EP costs $100.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
7.6
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Beats EP to have very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Beats EP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Beats EP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$130 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | November 1, 2018 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 4.3/10 | |
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 | 5.3/10 | |
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 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 226.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Beats EP
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Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Beats EP
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 Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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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