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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) offer easy pairing and optimization for Apple devices, while the Jaybird Vista 2's stemless design is more compact and includes active noise cancelling that the AirPods lack, which could be crucial for noisy environments. The Jaybird Vista 2 is also sweatproof and dustproof, making it a robust choice for exercising. With the AirPods, you pay more for the brand and seamless integration with Apple products; the Vista 2 provides enhanced features at a lower cost but may not integrate as smoothly with Apple devices. Consider your budget, the importance of noise cancellation, and device ecosystem compatibility. 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
Advantages of the Jaybird Vista 2
Very good for phone calls
Best in class for exercise
Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.1/10
6.3/10
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for music, while the Jaybird Vista 2 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
7.0/10
The Jaybird Vista 2 is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Cost
$179
$118
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Jaybird Vista 2 costs $118.
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Jaybird Vista 2 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
7.6/10
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Jaybird Vista 2 to be very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6/10
9.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Jaybird Vista 2 to be excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good.
TV and Video
5.5/10
5.6/10
The Jaybird Vista 2 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
Battery
6.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Jaybird Vista 2 has 6 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
9.0/10
9.0/10
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Jaybird Vista 2 both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Jaybird Vista 2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
"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."
"Compared to the original Vista, the Jaybird Vista 2 adds some key features including ANC and SurroundSense to control how much environmental noise you hear. If you're an athlete and are looking for rugged earbuds with tons of customization options, the Jaybird Vista 2 makes for a good option—but only if you are able to achieve a proper fit from the proprietary ear tips."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Jaybird Vista 2
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 Jaybird
Jaybird is an American headphone and activity tracker manufacturer focused on the exercise and sports market. The company was founded in 2006 by Judd Armstrong who sought for a product that was thoroughly sweatproof and that wouldn’t get in the way during physical activity. Jaybird is a part of the Swiss company Logitech International, since 2016.
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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.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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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.