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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for versatility and convenience, the Apple AirPods offer wireless connectivity, a portable form factor, and are optimized for Apple devices with ear detection and hands-free controls. They are suitable for exercise due to their sweatproof design and have a reasonable sound quality for music and calls, although they have lower noise isolation and are not the best for gaming or TV due to latency. On the other hand, the Turtle Beach Recon 70 provides superior mic quality, a more immersive gaming experience, better noise isolation, and is more durable with a boom mic style, making it ideal for gaming and calls. However, they are wired, bulkier, and less portable, with lower suitability for exercise and air travel. 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 exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Turtle Beach Recon 70
- Best in class for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
5.4
8.4
The Turtle Beach Recon 70 is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
9.6
The Turtle Beach Recon 70 is best in class for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
7.6
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Turtle Beach Recon 70 is good.
TV and Video
5.5
7.5
The Turtle Beach Recon 70 is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.6
The Turtle Beach Recon 70 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Turtle Beach Recon 70 is somewhat better.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Turtle Beach Recon 70 does not have a battery.
Cost
$179
$40
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Turtle Beach Recon 70 costs $40.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the Turtle Beach Recon 70 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.1
7.1
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Turtle Beach Recon 70 are both good for music.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Turtle Beach Recon 70 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Turtle Beach Recon 70 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $40 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Turtle Beach | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | May 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 9.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4.3/10 | |
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 | 5.7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 309 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
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."
Turtle Beach Recon 70
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Sam Moore | September 2022
"There aren’t many considerations to make here. The Turtle Beach Recon 70 sounds decent, offers solid chat audio, feels good to wear over long periods, and it works everywhere. If you’re in the market for a simple plug-and-play option, you could do a whole lot worse (and spend a whole lot more money). Regardless, if getting something cheap that works well is the only thing you care about, this is a great option."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Turtle Beach Recon 70
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.
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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.
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.
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