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Airpods (2nd generation)
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TUSQ
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What we think

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

If you place a high value on brand reputation and seamless integration with Apple devices, then the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) may be worth the additional expense. They offer quick pairing, easy switching between Apple devices, and hands-free "Hey Siri" functionality, but they may not fit as securely for all activities, especially vigorous exercise. On the other hand, the SteelSeries TUSQ is more budget-friendly and features an in-ear design with ear hooks for a more secure fit, ideal for active users. It also has a detachable boom microphone which makes it better suited for gaming or taking calls in noisier environments. However, you might miss out on the intuitive touch controls and overall ecosystem benefits that come with AirPods. Consider how important these features are in relation to the price difference when making your decision. 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 Steelseries TUSQ
  • Good for music
  • Very good for gaming
  • Good for TV and video

Key differences

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Music

5.8
Airpods (2nd generation)
TUSQ
7.6
The Steelseries TUSQ is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.

Gaming

4.8
Airpods (2nd generation)
TUSQ
8.5
The Steelseries TUSQ is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.

Phone Calls

6.9
Airpods (2nd generation)
TUSQ
5.2
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Steelseries TUSQ is poor.

Podcasts and Audiobooks

8.1
Airpods (2nd generation)
TUSQ
4.7
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Steelseries TUSQ is poor.

TV and Video

5.4
Airpods (2nd generation)
TUSQ
7.3
The Steelseries TUSQ is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.

Noise Reduction

2.5
Airpods (2nd generation)
TUSQ
6.0
The Steelseries TUSQ is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.

Battery

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

Cost

$89
Airpods (2nd generation)
TUSQ
$30
Product image
Product image

$0

$50

$100

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The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Steelseries TUSQ costs $30.
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Key similarities

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Build Quality

7.6
Airpods (2nd generation)
TUSQ
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Steelseries TUSQ to have 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 Steelseries TUSQ compare to other earbuds and headphones

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Spec Comparison

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Apple Airpods (2nd generation)Steelseries TUSQ
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)Steelseries TUSQ

GENERAL

Price
$89
$30
Brand
AppleSteelseries
Release Date
March 1, 2019August 1, 2021
Form Factor
EarbudsEarbuds
Connectivity
WirelessWired

SOUND

Music Score
5.9/107.7/10
Phone Calls Score
7/105.3/10
Gaming Score
4.9/108.6/10
TV and Video Score
5.5/107.4/10
Exercise Score
5.8/104.2/10

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
2.5/106/10
Virtual Surround
NoN/A
Android App
NoN/A
iOS App
NoN/A
Mic Quality
6.5/108.5/10

BUILD AND DESIGN

Build Quality
7.6/108/10
Comfort score
7.6/107.6/10
Size
SmallLarge
Weight (headset or single earbud)
4 Grams11 Grams
Microphone style
IntegratedBoom

Shopping

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Apple Airpods (2nd generation)

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Steelseries TUSQ

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Can Buy or Not

Aloysius Low | March 2021
"The SteelSeries Arctis Tusq is a great headset for those on a more modest budget. You can use it for gaming or music, and I daresay it's also great for Zoom meetings when you don't want to be wearing on-ear or over-ear headphones."

Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Steelseries TUSQ

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 Steelseries

Steelseries is a Danish gaming products manufacturer founded in 2001 and owned by GN Store Nord. Beside a large variety of gaming peripherals like mice, keyboards, and mousemats, Steelseries markets the Arctis line of gaming headsets which feature integrated boom microphones and RGB lighting. Steelseries has partnered with several game publishers and studios for limited editions of their products like a line of Cyberpunk 2077 themed headsets in 2020.

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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
123,200
Recommendations made
18,480
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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