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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize noise isolation and low latency for activities such as gaming or watching TV, the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ stands out due to its active noise cancelling and aptX Adaptive codec support. However, if ease of use with Apple products and higher built-in controls are more important to you, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) may be more suitable. The AirPods also offer sweat resistance making them a good choice for exercise. The Beoplay EQ offers better build quality and mic durability, which could be important if you plan to use them frequently for calls or require a robust design. Both provide wireless charging and similar battery life, but the AirPods may be more convenient with their slightly lighter weight and stem design, which could be more stable during certain activities. 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 music
- Good for exercise
Advantages of the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
5.4
8.4
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
TV and Video
5.5
7.8
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
7.0
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
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Key similarities
Music
7.1
6.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (3rd generation) to be good for music, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.6
7.2
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ are both good for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
8.8
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Battery
6.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$178
$176
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $178 and the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ costs $176.
Build Quality
9.0
8.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (3rd generation) to have excellent build quality, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$178 | $176 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Bang and Olufsen | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | August 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 6.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 6.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 20 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
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."
Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Tim Gideon | March 2022
"Bang & Olufsen’s audio products prioritize style and function just as much as sound quality. The company’s latest Beoplay EQ noise-cancelling true wireless earphones combine strong, accurate-leaning audio with solid noise cancellation in an exceedingly classy design."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
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 Bang and Olufsen
Bang and Olufsen is an almost century-old electronic goods manufacturer based in Denmark with a very special focus on design. Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen created the first AC radio in 1925 and went on to develop televisions, telephones and, of course, headphones and loudspeakers. Today, they are partnered with several companies, like Audi, BMW and Aston Martin, to provide very high-quality audio solutions.
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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.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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