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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If portability and convenience are crucial for you, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) may be better as they are wireless, compact, and have seamless integration with other Apple products. However, if sound quality is your priority and you mainly listen in quiet environments, the HiFiMan Sundara over-ear headphones typically offer superior sound fidelity, with a more natural and detailed audio performance, but they are bulkier and not as mobile-friendly. AirPods are suitable for everyday casual use and making calls, while the Sundara is aimed at audiophiles looking for an enhanced listening experience, hence the higher price point. Keep in mind, AirPods will also have better battery life due to their charging case, while the Sundara, being wired, don't require battery power. 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 Sundara
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
9.3
The HifiMan Sundara is excellent for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Gaming
5.4
7.2
The HifiMan Sundara is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
4.9
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the HifiMan Sundara is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
7.8
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the HifiMan Sundara is good.
TV and Video
5.5
8.8
The HifiMan Sundara 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 HifiMan Sundara does not have a battery.
Cost
$179
$279
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the HifiMan Sundara costs $279.
Build Quality
9.0
8.2
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the HifiMan Sundara has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and HifiMan Sundara are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the HifiMan Sundara compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | HifiMan Sundara |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $279 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | May 1, 2020 | |
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 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 7.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4.5/10 | |
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 | 8.2/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 394.6 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."
HifiMan Sundara
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | July 2023
"The HiFiMan Sundara is the set of headphones to get if you want high-end audio, but don't want to shell out a king's ransom for it. These planar magnetic headphones are comfortable, straightforward, and excellent performers."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the HifiMan Sundara
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
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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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