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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods Pro offer noise cancellation, a customizable fit with multiple ear tips, and a wireless experience with better sound quality, making them suitable for immersive listening and travel. On the other hand, Apple EarPods are wired, less expensive, and don't have noise cancellation, which could be preferable for those who want simplicity or to avoid battery concerns. The AirPods Pro are more versatile for active lifestyles and varied environments due to their fit and features, but if budget is a concern or you prefer not to manage battery life, the EarPods could be a more practical choice. 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 Pro
- Excellent for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Apple Earpods
- Good for music
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.8
7.8
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.1
8.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4
8.0
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Pro is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
7.4
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
5.7
7.4
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
2.5
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Apple Earpods does not have a battery.
Cost
$260
$20
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Apple Earpods costs $20.
Build Quality
9.0
7.6
The Apple Airpods Pro has excellent build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Apple Earpods compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | Apple Earpods |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$260 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | September 1, 2012 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 4.1/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8.3/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 6.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | In-Line | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | January 2023
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Pro or the Apple Earpods
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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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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