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What we think
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Updated April 10, 2024·
If you prioritize wireless convenience, active noise cancelling, and seamless integration with Apple devices, the Apple Airpods Pro might be the better choice despite their higher price. They offer excellent portability, sweatproof certification for exercise, and are known for good sound quality during calls. However, if cost is a major factor and you don't mind a wired connection, the Sony MDREX15AP offers good sound for music with a very comfortable fit, and excellent durability, but without the advanced features like noise cancellation or a built-in mic for calls. Note that these Sonys may not perform as well in noisy environments due to the lack of noise cancellation. 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 Sony MDREX15AP
- Very good for music
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.8
8.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.1
6.7
The Sony MDREX15AP is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4
3.5
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
5.4
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
TV and Video
5.7
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
7.0
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Sony MDREX15AP is good.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Sony MDREX15AP does not have a battery.
Cost
$260
$20
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
Build Quality
9.0
8.0
The Apple Airpods Pro has excellent build quality, while the Sony MDREX15AP has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$260 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 4.6/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
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 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 3.1 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."
Sony MDREX15AP
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Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Pro or the Sony MDREX15AP
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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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.
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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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