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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods Pro are great for convenience, with wireless connectivity, strong portability, and high scores for use during exercise and air travel due to their noise cancellation and secure in-ear fit. They work well with both Android and Apple devices, have a built-in microphone for calls and meetings, and offer virtual surround sound, which enhances TV and video experiences.
In contrast, the Audeze LCD 2 Classic headphones offer superior overall sound quality and a more expansive soundstage, making them ideal for critical listening and enjoying high-fidelity music at home. However, they lack features like a microphone, wireless connectivity, and active noise cancelling, and they're less portable, which limits their versatility outside of a stationary listening environment. If you prioritize sound quality above all and mostly listen in quiet spaces, the Audeze would be a better choice, but for a versatile, everyday earbud that supports a range of activities, the AirPods Pro 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 Pro
Good for phone calls
Excellent for air travel
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Audeze LCD 2 Classic
Excellent for music
Good for gaming
Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.8/10
9.2/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.1/10
7.3/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4/10
4.8/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3/10
7.7/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good.
TV and Video
5.7/10
8.6/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
2.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Audeze LCD 2 Classic does not have a battery.
Cost
$260
$799
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Audeze LCD 2 Classic costs $799.
Build Quality
9.0/10
10.0/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Apple Airpods Pro has excellent build quality.
"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."
"These headphones outdo rival planar magnetic headphones, especially in terms of dynamics. Compared to the Hifiman Ananda or the Hifiman Edition XS there is noticeably more slam in the sound, particularly in the bass. The LCD-2C gives you a fantastic sense of quiet dynamics with crystalline precision. This is evident also in our clinical tests, where it’s just easier to understand spoken text at very low volumes."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Pro or the Audeze LCD 2 Classic
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 Audeze
Audeze is an, award-winning, American premium headphone manufacturer based in California. Founded in 2008, their products are developed around aerospace materials technology first used by NASA and are widely used by enthusiasts and professionals alike, not only in the fields of music and sound engineering but also in e-sports and the health industry.
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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.