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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If cost is a primary concern and you're looking for something convenient for daily use with your smartphone, the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) may suit you well; they're portable, offer hands-free Siri, and are optimized for use with Apple devices, including easy pairing and ear detection. However, if you're an audiophile seeking the best sound quality for music at home and prioritize a wide soundstage, the HifiMan Edition XS headphones would better serve your needs. The XS lack a microphone and aren't designed for exercise or travel, but they provide superior sound quality, particularly for audiophiles who want to enjoy detailed and expansive audio at a premium price. 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 HifiMan Edition XS
- Very good for music
- Good for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
Key differences
Music
5.8
8.8
The HifiMan Edition XS is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
7.4
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for gaming, 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 HifiMan Edition XS is poor.
TV and Video
5.4
9.5
The HifiMan Edition XS is best in class for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The HifiMan Edition XS does not have a battery.
Cost
$89
$269
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the HifiMan Edition XS costs $269.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The HifiMan Edition XS has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
7.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (2nd generation) to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the HifiMan Edition XS is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and HifiMan Edition XS are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the HifiMan Edition XS compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | HifiMan Edition XS |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $269 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | December 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 7.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 4.4/10 | |
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 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 421 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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HifiMan Edition XS
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Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | January 2023
"The Edition XS easily compete with headphones in their price range with a very high price-to-performance ratio. The XS are an amazing value and offer performance not far off from headphones more than twice their cost. These will be a mind-blowing revelation for enthusiasts and music lovers who have only heard standard big-brand mainstream headphones."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the HifiMan Edition XS
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 HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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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