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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If value for money is your top priority and you prefer a wired connection, which can be more reliable and doesn't need charging, the Apple EarPods offer a simple, straightforward listening experience at a lower cost. However, if you are willing to invest more for wireless convenience, better sound quality, an improved design with a more secure fit, and a longer battery life, the AirPods (3rd generation) would be a better choice. They also feature spatial audio for a more immersive experience and are resistant to sweat and water, which can be beneficial for active use or in various weather conditions. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Apple Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
7.8
The Apple Earpods and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for music, though the Apple Earpods is somewhat better.
Gaming
5.4
8.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
7.4
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
5.5
7.4
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Apple Earpods does not have a battery.
Cost
$178
$20
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $178 and the Apple Earpods costs $20.
Build Quality
9.0
7.6
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
7.6
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Earpods to be very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Apple Earpods are both poor for noise reduction.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Apple Earpods compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Apple Earpods |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$178 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | September 1, 2012 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4.1/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8.3/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 6.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | In-Line | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Apple Earpods
See more
Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Apple Earpods
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.
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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
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
94,700
Recommendations made
14,205
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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