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Airpods (2nd generation)
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PC38X
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What we think

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The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·

The Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are a great choice if you value wireless convenience, portability, and are primarily using them with Apple devices, as they offer seamless integration. They are also suitable for use during exercise due to their compact size and sweatproof design, and provide ample battery life for extended usage throughout the day with a case that supports wireless charging. On the other hand, the EPOS PC38X headphones offer superior overall sound quality, a more impressive soundstage, and top-notch microphone quality, making them ideal for immersive gaming and calls or meetings. Their over-ear, open design contributes to comfort but results in less effective noise isolation. They also have a longer cable and are not designed for exercise. So, if you prioritize audio performance for gaming, calls, and home use, and can handle a wired connection, the EPOS PC38X headphones may be the better choice. However, if you need high portability, wireless features, and Apple device optimization, then the AirPods could serve you better despite being somewhat less expensive. 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 EPOS PC38X
  • Best in class for music
  • Best in class for phone calls
  • Best in class for gaming
  • Excellent for TV and video

Key differences

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Music

5.8
Airpods (2nd generation)
PC38X
9.5
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.

Gaming

4.8
Airpods (2nd generation)
PC38X
10.0
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.

Phone Calls

6.9
Airpods (2nd generation)
PC38X
10.0
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair.

TV and Video

5.4
Airpods (2nd generation)
PC38X
9.0
The EPOS PC38X is excellent for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.

Battery

4.0 Hours
Airpods (2nd generation)
PC38X
N/A
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The EPOS PC38X does not have a battery.

Cost

$89
Airpods (2nd generation)
PC38X
$139
Product image
Product image

$0

$50

$100

$150

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The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the EPOS PC38X costs $139.

Build Quality

7.6
Airpods (2nd generation)
PC38X
8.5
The EPOS PC38X has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities

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Podcasts and Audiobooks

8.1
Airpods (2nd generation)
PC38X
7.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (2nd generation) to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the EPOS PC38X is good.

Noise Reduction

2.5
Airpods (2nd generation)
PC38X
2.5
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and EPOS PC38X are both poor for noise reduction.

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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the EPOS PC38X compare to other earbuds and headphones

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Spec Comparison

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Apple Airpods (2nd generation)EPOS PC38X
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)EPOS PC38X

GENERAL

Price
$89
$139
Brand
AppleEPOS
Release Date
March 1, 2019September 1, 2020
Form Factor
EarbudsHeadphones
Connectivity
WirelessWired

SOUND

Music Score
5.9/109.6/10
Phone Calls Score
7/1010/10
Gaming Score
4.9/1010/10
TV and Video Score
5.5/109.1/10
Exercise Score
5.8/104.5/10

PERFORMANCE

Battery life
4 HoursN/A
Wireless charging
YesN/A
Charging time
0.5 HoursN/A
Bluetooth version
5N/A
Case Battery Life
24N/A

FEATURES

Active Noise Cancelling
NoNo
Noise Reduction Score
2.5/102.5/10
Virtual Surround
NoN/A
Android App
NoN/A
iOS App
NoN/A
Mic Quality
6.5/1010/10

BUILD AND DESIGN

Build Quality
7.6/108.5/10
Comfort score
7.6/108.4/10
Size
SmallN/A
Weight (headset or single earbud)
4 Grams249.4 Grams
Microphone style
IntegratedBoom

Shopping

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Apple Airpods (2nd generation)

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Dig into reviews and images

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EPOS PC38X

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Everyday Listening

Ryan Soo | November 2021
"Lightweight and comfortable design, Mic arm with mute, Excellent tuning, Highly natural midrange voicing, Clean and separated bass, Solid soundstage dimensions. Combining all day comfort and integrated coms with a balanced and spacious sound from essentially any source, it is hard to deny the versatility and value provided by the PC38X."

Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the EPOS PC38X

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 EPOS

EPOS is a relatively new company with a very long heritage. Previously known as Sennheiser Communications, EPOS is the result of the joint venture between the German headphone manufacturer Sennheiser and the Danish Demant that sought to develop premium audio communication solutions. They specialize in two main product groups, enterprise communications and gaming communication headsets and processing devices.

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Why trust us

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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.

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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