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Updated April 10, 2024·
If you're on a budget and need basic wired earbuds with good mic quality for calls and a comfortable open design that's not ideal for noisy environments, the Apple Earpods are suitable. However, if you're ready to invest in premium wireless earbuds with excellent sound quality, active noise cancelling for better focus during air travel, and durability features such as sweat and dust resistance, choose the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX. They also offer more features like app equalization, optimized performance for both Android and Apple devices, and long battery life, making them versatile for various listening experiences including gaming and watching TV. 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
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX
Excellent for gaming
Very good for TV and video
Very good for exercise
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
8.3/10
9.3/10
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is excellent for gaming, while the Apple Earpods is very good.
Phone Calls
8.0/10
5.3/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4/10
6.1/10
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is only fair.
TV and Video
7.4/10
8.9/10
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
8.3/10
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is very 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 EX has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$399
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX costs $399.
Build Quality
7.6/10
10.0/10
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has best in class build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
"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."
"If you’ve wanted truly wireless headphones, but couldn’t pick them up because they sound terrible, these will be the headphones that win you over. If you’re the kind of person who would consider spending $400 on headphones, these are the right truly wireless headphones for you."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX
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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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.