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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value portability, convenience, and wireless capabilities for activities such as exercising, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) are more suited as they are earbuds designed for on-the-go use, have a case that provides additional charges, and offer sweat resistance. However, if you are after the best audio quality for music and an immersive soundstage, the HifiMan Edition XS headphones will provide a superior experience with their planar magnetic drivers, though they are bulkier, not suited for exercise, and lack wireless connectivity. The AirPods also have features optimized for Apple devices, including a built-in microphone for calls, which may influence your decision if you use Apple products. 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 HifiMan Edition XS
Very good for music
Good for gaming
Best in class for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1/10
8.8/10
The HifiMan Edition XS is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Gaming
5.4/10
7.4/10
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6/10
5.0/10
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the HifiMan Edition XS is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6/10
7.9/10
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the HifiMan Edition XS is good.
TV and Video
5.5/10
9.5/10
The HifiMan Edition XS is best in class 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 HifiMan Edition XS does not have a battery.
Cost
$178
$269
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $178 and the HifiMan Edition XS costs $269.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.5/10
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the HifiMan Edition XS has very good build quality.
"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."
"The Edition XS easily compete with headphones in their price range with a very high price-to-performance ratio. The XS are an amazing value and offer performance not far off from headphones more than twice their cost. These will be a mind-blowing revelation for enthusiasts and music lovers who have only heard standard big-brand mainstream headphones."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the HifiMan Edition XS
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 HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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
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
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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.