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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you primarily listen to music and value sound quality above all else, the Audeze LCD 2 Classic would be a better choice, offering superior overall sound and a wider soundstage. However, if you are looking for earbuds that are versatile for various content like calls, meetings, and exercise, with convenient features like a built-in microphone, wireless charging, and ear detection, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) might suit you better. The AirPods also offer better portability, ease of use, and are optimized for Apple devices. Consider that the AirPods have a closed design providing some noise isolation, whereas the Audeze headphones feature an open design, which typically does not isolate sound but contributes to a more natural listening experience. Keep in mind that the Apple AirPods are significantly less expensive and offer more features while the Audeze is more focused on high-quality sound reproduction for music enthusiasts. 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 phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Audeze LCD 2 Classic
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
9.2
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Gaming
5.4
7.3
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
4.8
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
7.7
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good.
TV and Video
5.5
8.6
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very 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 Audeze LCD 2 Classic does not have a battery.
Cost
$179
$799
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Audeze LCD 2 Classic costs $799.
Build Quality
9.0
10.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Audeze LCD 2 Classic are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Audeze LCD 2 Classic compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Audeze LCD 2 Classic |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $799 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Audeze | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | November 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 7.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 8.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4.4/10 | |
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 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 635 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
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."
Audeze LCD 2 Classic
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Dig into reviews and images
The Greatest Song
Greatest Song Team | August 2023
"These headphones outdo rival planar magnetic headphones, especially in terms of dynamics. Compared to the Hifiman Ananda or the Hifiman Edition XS there is noticeably more slam in the sound, particularly in the bass. The LCD-2C gives you a fantastic sense of quiet dynamics with crystalline precision. This is evident also in our clinical tests, where it’s just easier to understand spoken text at very low volumes."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Audeze LCD 2 Classic
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 Audeze
Audeze is an, award-winning, American premium headphone manufacturer based in California. Founded in 2008, their products are developed around aerospace materials technology first used by NASA and are widely used by enthusiasts and professionals alike, not only in the fields of music and sound engineering but also in e-sports and the health industry.
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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
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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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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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