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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're on a budget, the Apple Earpods are much less expensive and offer a satisfactory listening experience for music and calls with decent microphone quality. However, they are wired, providing a direct connection but limiting movement. The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ are pricier but feature advanced noise cancellation for quieter environments and AptX Adaptive codec for high-quality sound over Bluetooth, which is essential for wireless audio fidelity. They are also dust and sweatproof, making them more durable for exercise, and have a longer battery life with the convenience of a charging case. 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
- Good for music
- Very good for phone calls
Advantages of the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8
6.8
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.0
7.2
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
8.8
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
7.0
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.5 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$176
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ costs $176.
Build Quality
7.6
8.9
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
8.3
8.4
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and Apple Earpods are both very good for gaming.
TV and Video
7.4
7.8
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and Apple Earpods are both good for TV and video.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $176 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Bang and Olufsen | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | August 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 20 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
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."
Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Tim Gideon | March 2022
"Bang & Olufsen’s audio products prioritize style and function just as much as sound quality. The company’s latest Beoplay EQ noise-cancelling true wireless earphones combine strong, accurate-leaning audio with solid noise cancellation in an exceedingly classy design."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
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 Bang and Olufsen
Bang and Olufsen is an almost century-old electronic goods manufacturer based in Denmark with a very special focus on design. Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen created the first AC radio in 1925 and went on to develop televisions, telephones and, of course, headphones and loudspeakers. Today, they are partnered with several companies, like Audi, BMW and Aston Martin, to provide very high-quality audio solutions.
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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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