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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize convenience, portability, and use during exercise, the Apple AirPods Pro are a better choice with wireless functionality, sweatproof certification, and higher scores for use during exercise and portability. They also have active noise canceling for noisier environments and are optimized for use with Apple devices. On the other hand, if you value the highest sound quality and a wide soundstage for immersive listening, then the HifiMan Edition XS headphones excel in these areas, though they lack built-in controls, a microphone, and are significantly bulkier and less portable, making them less suited for active or on-the-go use. 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 HifiMan Edition XS
- Very good for music
- Good for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.8
8.8
The HifiMan Edition XS is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.1
7.4
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4
5.0
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the HifiMan Edition XS is poor.
TV and Video
5.7
9.5
The HifiMan Edition XS is best in class 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 HifiMan Edition XS is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The HifiMan Edition XS does not have a battery.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods Pro has excellent build quality, while the HifiMan Edition XS has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
7.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Pro to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the HifiMan Edition XS is good.
Cost
$260
$269
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the HifiMan Edition XS costs $269.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the HifiMan Edition XS compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | HifiMan Edition XS |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$260 | $269 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | December 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 7.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 4.4/10 | |
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 | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 421 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro
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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."
HifiMan Edition XS
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Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | January 2023
"The Edition XS easily compete with headphones in their price range with a very high price-to-performance ratio. The XS are an amazing value and offer performance not far off from headphones more than twice their cost. These will be a mind-blowing revelation for enthusiasts and music lovers who have only heard standard big-brand mainstream headphones."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Pro or the HifiMan Edition XS
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 HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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.
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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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