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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you are looking for earbuds that are less expensive but still provide a good overall experience, the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are the better choice, especially if you frequently use Apple devices since they are optimized for them, and they offer excellent portability with a small carrying case. However, if you prioritize sound quality, especially when making calls or during travel, the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 are superior with better microphone quality, noise isolation, and an emphasis on sound performance. The PI7 also has active noise cancelling and sweatproof certification, which the AirPods lack, making them more suitable for noisy environments and exercise. Keep in mind that these features come with a higher price tag. 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 PI7
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
6.8
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
8.1
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
5.1
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
4.8
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
TV and Video
5.4
6.8
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
3.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$399
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 costs $399.
Build Quality
7.6
8.9
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 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 Bowers and Wilkins PI7 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Bowers and Wilkins PI7 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $399 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Bowers and Wilkins | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | April 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 0.7 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 20 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
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 | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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Sound Guys
Chase Bernath | April 2022
"The primary selling point of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is the charging case that can transmit audio from any analog source to the earbuds. If you have a very specific and clear need for that feature, then the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is for you."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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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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