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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If superior sound quality and an expansive soundstage are your priorities, the Philips Fidelio X2HR headphones are a strong choice; they are especially well-suited for at-home listening given their open-back design, which is not good for noise isolation. The Apple AirPods (2nd generation), being less expensive and truly wireless, offer great convenience and portability, making them ideal for on-the-go use; they also support features like ear detection and have a built-in microphone for calls. However, the AirPods have lower sound quality compared to the Fidelio X2HR and are more suited to casual listening rather than high-fidelity audio experiences. Choose the Fidelio X2HR for top-tier audio at home and the AirPods for wireless convenience and functionality with Apple devices. 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 Philips Fidelio X2HR
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
5.8
9.3
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is excellent for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
7.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR 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 Philips Fidelio X2HR is poor.
TV and Video
5.4
8.8
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is very good 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 Philips Fidelio X2HR does not have a battery.
Cost
$89
$148
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Philips Fidelio X2HR costs $148.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR has excellent 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 Philips Fidelio X2HR is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Philips Fidelio X2HR are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Philips Fidelio X2HR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Philips Fidelio X2HR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $148 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | September 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 4.5/10 | |
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 | 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 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 390 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Philips Fidelio X2HR
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Liquid Audio
Stefan | May 2022
"This piece is a fantastic option for music lovers searching for premium sound and a snug fit. You should get these headphones if you care about sound quality and want to hear music in a new light. This technology is a great option for high-quality headphones with superb sound reproduction."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Philips Fidelio X2HR
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 Philips
Philips is a Dutch conglomerate and electronics manufacturer with over 130 years of history. Philips makes the Fidelio audio line which includes several models of full-sized wired and wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds. soundbars and wireless speakers.
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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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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.
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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.
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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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