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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Airpods (3rd generation) offer convenience with wireless connectivity, a compact size for portability, and features optimized for Apple devices, which makes them suitable for use during exercise and travel. However, they only provide moderate sound isolation and may not be the best for noisy environments. On the other hand, the Philips Fidelio X2HR headphones boast superior sound quality and an open-back design that enhances soundstage for a more immersive audio experience, making them well-suited for home listening sessions and TV or video use. They are not portable, lack wireless features, and are not recommended for exercise or travel. If you prioritize sound quality for home use, Philips is the better choice, while for ease of use, exercise, and travel, the Airpods are more suitable. 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 Philips Fidelio X2HR
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
9.3
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is excellent for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Gaming
5.4
7.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
5.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Philips Fidelio X2HR is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
7.9
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Philips Fidelio X2HR is good.
TV and Video
5.5
8.8
The Philips Fidelio X2HR 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 Philips Fidelio X2HR does not have a battery.
Cost
$179
$140
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Philips Fidelio X2HR costs $140.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Philips Fidelio X2HR are both poor for noise reduction.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Philips Fidelio X2HR both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Philips Fidelio X2HR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Philips Fidelio X2HR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $140 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | September 1, 2014 | |
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 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
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 | 9/10 | |
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 | 390 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."
Philips Fidelio X2HR
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Liquid Audio
Stefan | May 2022
"This piece is a fantastic option for music lovers searching for premium sound and a snug fit. You should get these headphones if you care about sound quality and want to hear music in a new light. This technology is a great option for high-quality headphones with superb sound reproduction."
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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 Philips
Philips is a Dutch conglomerate and electronics manufacturer with over 130 years of history. Philips makes the Fidelio audio line which includes several models of full-sized wired and wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds. soundbars and wireless speakers.
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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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