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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If budget is a primary concern, the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) offer a good balance of quality and value. However, if you prioritize sound quality and are willing to invest more, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi5 S2 typically delivers superior audio performance. For active lifestyles, earbuds with secure fit and water resistance may be important; in such cases, check each product's features for these aspects. Moreover, if you're in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods provide seamless integration with Apple devices that the Bowers & Wilkins may not match. Conversely, if sound isolation is a must, the Bowers & Wilkins might offer better passive noise cancellation due to a different ear tip design. Lastly, consider battery life and the presence of features like touch controls or voice assistant compatibility when making your 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)
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
6.7
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
5.0
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
5.6
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 costs $149.
Build Quality
7.6
8.9
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
4.8
5.3
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.4
5.6
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Bowers and Wilkins | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 0.75 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 19 | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
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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Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
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Major HiFi
Chris Golembeski | January 2023
"Bowers and Wilkins isn’t looking to make an obscure, premium wireless bud catered specifically towards audiophiles. Instead, it seems apparent that they’re going for the crown: a cool and popular look, an easy and comfortable fit, and an engaging stage with a great balance that is perfectly suited for mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
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 Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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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.
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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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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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