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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize budget and portability, the Apple Earpods are significantly less expensive and highly portable for on-the-go listening. In contrast, the Audeze LCD 2 Classic offers superior sound quality and an immersive experience but is much more expensive and benefits greatly from a dedicated amplifier. The Earpods are suitable for casual listening and convenience, whereas the Audeze headphones are intended for audiophiles or those seeking high-fidelity audio at home with proper equipment. The Earpods also feature an integrated microphone for calls, which the Audeze lacks. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
Advantages of the Audeze LCD 2 Classic
- Excellent for music
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.8
9.2
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Gaming
8.3
7.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good.
Phone Calls
8.0
4.8
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
8.6
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Cost
$20
$799
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Audeze LCD 2 Classic costs $799.
Build Quality
7.6
10.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
7.7
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Apple Earpods are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Earpods and Audeze LCD 2 Classic are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Audeze LCD 2 Classic compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Audeze LCD 2 Classic |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $799 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Audeze | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | November 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 7.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 8.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.4/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 635 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | N/A | |
Shopping
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."
Audeze LCD 2 Classic
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Dig into reviews and images
The Greatest Song
Greatest Song Team | August 2023
"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 Earpods 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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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