The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and convenience, the Apple AirPods Pro are wireless, have active noise cancellation, and offer ease of use with Apple devices. On the other hand, the Philips Fidelio X2HR is a pair of over-ear headphones that are likely to provide superior sound quality and comfort for extended listening sessions but lack the noise cancellation and wireless capabilities of the AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro are also more suited for exercising and on-the-go activities, whereas the Philips are better for home use where you can appreciate their sound in a quiet environment. Choose the AirPods Pro if you need something for commutes, calls, and noise-sensitive environments, while the Philips may be better for critical listening and relaxed, at-home 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 Philips Fidelio X2HR
Excellent for music
Good for gaming
Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.8/10
9.3/10
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is excellent for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.1/10
7.0/10
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4/10
5.0/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Philips Fidelio X2HR is poor.
TV and Video
5.7/10
8.8/10
The Philips Fidelio X2HR 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 Philips Fidelio X2HR is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Philips Fidelio X2HR does not have a battery.
Cost
$260
$148
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Philips Fidelio X2HR costs $148.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Pro to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Philips Fidelio X2HR is good.
Build Quality
9.0/10
9.0/10
The Apple Airpods Pro and Philips Fidelio X2HR both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Philips Fidelio X2HR compare to other earbuds and headphones
"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."
"This piece is a fantastic option for music lovers searching for premium sound and a snug fit. You should get these headphones if you care about sound quality and want to hear music in a new light. This technology is a great option for high-quality headphones with superb sound reproduction."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Pro or the Philips Fidelio X2HR
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 Philips
Philips is a Dutch conglomerate and electronics manufacturer with over 130 years of history. Philips makes the Fidelio audio line which includes several models of full-sized wired and wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds. soundbars and wireless speakers.
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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.