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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) offer convenience with wireless charging, ear/head detection, and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices, making them a versatile option for casual listening, especially if you're on a budget. However, their sound isolation is not the best for noisy environments. The Thieaudio Monarch Mk II, while more pricey, provides superior sound quality with excellent details and a soundstage; they even include detachable cables. But keep in mind, they lack some of the convenience features of the AirPods like wireless connectivity and are less ideal for use during exercise due to their size and weight. 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 Thieaudio Monarch Mk II
- Best in class for music
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
9.5
The Thieaudio Monarch Mk II is best in class for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Gaming
5.4
6.7
The Thieaudio Monarch Mk II is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
5.1
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Thieaudio Monarch Mk II is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
7.9
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Thieaudio Monarch Mk II is good.
TV and Video
5.5
8.8
The Thieaudio Monarch Mk II is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The Thieaudio Monarch Mk II is only fair for noise reduction, 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 Thieaudio Monarch Mk II does not have a battery.
Cost
$179
$999
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Thieaudio Monarch Mk II costs $999.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Thieaudio Monarch Mk II both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Thieaudio Monarch Mk II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Thieaudio Monarch Mk II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $999 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Thieaudio | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | October 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 6.8/10 | |
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 | 6/10 | |
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 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 9 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."
Thieaudio Monarch Mk II
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Dig into reviews and images
Audiophile On
Audiophile On | August 2021
"No other earphone I have listened to in the past 12 months has given me as much joy as the Thieaduio Monarch MKII. One of those IEMs will make you question where we can go from here. The sound is jaw-dropping, leaving you wanting more and more. It makes you want to run through your entire music library and reevaluate. It makes you not feel bad about paying full price for them, especially in a hobby where buyers' remorse is genuine. For me, it's top tier, rivaled by a few but not surpassed."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Thieaudio Monarch Mk II
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 Thieaudio
Thieaudio is the in-house brand of Linsoul Audio, a Chinese earbud and headphone retailer specializing in what the community lovingly calls Chi-fi, that is high fidelity brands out of China. Thieaudio was established in 2019 as the creative engineering branch of Linsoul. As of today, they market three different lines of earbuds, Voyager, Legacy and the extremely well-received Monarch.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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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