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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Earpods are a budget-friendly option, known for their open design, which doesn't isolate noise well, making them less suitable for noisy environments. They deliver decent overall sound quality and are quite portable, scoring highly for their performance during calls and meetings and with book/podcast listening. The Beats EP, priced higher, are on-ear headphones with a closed-back design, offering better build quality and noise isolation, which can be beneficial for listening in noisy settings. However, the Beats EP may be less comfortable during extended use and do not have a microphone rating, which you may want to consider if making calls is a priority for you. Both options offer wired connectivity without support for lossless or AAC codecs, and neither are sweat or dustproof certified, nor do they provide active noise cancelling. The Earpods score higher for gaming and TV/video due to lower latency, whereas the Beats EP, with their on-ear design and better passive noise isolation, might offer a slightly more immersive music experience. If portability is essential, the Earpods are lighter and smaller. Neither model has wireless capabilities or a battery life to consider. 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
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Beats EP
- Very good for music
Key differences
Gaming
8.3
6.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.0
4.2
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Beats EP is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
6.8
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Beats EP and Apple Earpods are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
Cost
$20
$100
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Beats EP costs $100.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
8.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Beats EP to be very good for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
7.4
7.6
The Beats EP and Apple Earpods are both good for TV and video.
Build Quality
7.6
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Beats EP to have very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Beats EP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Beats EP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | November 1, 2018 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 226.7 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."
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Beats EP
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 Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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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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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