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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize wireless convenience and integration with Apple products, choose the AirPods; they are also more suitable for exercise due to being sweatproof. However, if sound quality, especially for music listening, and better sound isolation are more important, and you don't mind a wired connection, the Beats EP might be the better option. Remember, the Beats lack a microphone, so they aren't suited for calls or online meetings. The AirPods feature integrated controls and ear detection, but the Beats EP offer a full sound with more emphasis on bass, which could enhance certain music genres and movie watching experiences. 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 Beats EP
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
8.1
The Beats EP is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Gaming
5.4
6.3
The Beats EP is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
4.2
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Beats EP is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
6.8
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
TV and Video
5.5
7.6
The Beats EP is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Beats EP and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Beats EP does not have a battery.
Cost
$179
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Beats EP costs $100.
Build Quality
9.0
8.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the Beats EP has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Beats EP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Beats EP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | November 1, 2018 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4.3/10 | |
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 | 5.3/10 | |
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 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 226.7 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."
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Beats EP
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 Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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
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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.
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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