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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If cost is a major concern for you, the Apple Earpods offer a good mix of features for a budget price, with very good microphone quality and sound quality suitable for a variety of purposes from music to calls and gaming. They're wired, which may limit mobility but ensures no latency issues during TV watching or gaming; however, their open design provides less noise isolation and they aren't the best for exercise due to lack of sweatproofing. On the other hand, the Beats Fit Pro, while more expensive, are wireless stemless earbuds with active noise cancelling and sweatproof certification, making them ideal for exercise and travel. They offer very good sound quality and noise isolation, but they may not be optimal for gaming or watching TV due to poorer soundstage and some latency. The Beats also have an H1 chip for seamless integration with Apple devices, spatial audio features for an immersive experience, and extra features like ear/head detection and a customizable app, which the Earpods lack. If you prioritize advanced features, noise cancellation, and wireless convenience, Beats Fit Pro could justify the extra cost. 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
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Beats Fit Pro
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8
6.9
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the Beats Fit Pro is only fair.
Gaming
8.3
4.9
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Beats Fit Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
6.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Beats Fit Pro is only fair.
TV and Video
7.4
5.6
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Beats Fit Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Beats Fit Pro is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.2 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Beats Fit Pro has 5.2 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$179
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Beats Fit Pro costs $179.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The Beats Fit Pro has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
7.6
The Beats Fit Pro and Apple Earpods are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Beats Fit Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Beats Fit Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $179 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | November 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 7.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5.2 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 6.7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 5.6 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."
Beats Fit Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
SoundGuys
Lili Katz | January 2024
"The Beats Fit Pro is just as easy to use with an Android device as it is with an iPhone. It seems Apple-owned Beats is trying to appeal to a wider market, and it works. The Fit Pro fits like a pro with the ear tip fit test and multiple ear tips. Sound quality is sure to please most athletes, but the Fit Pro is just at home in the office as it is in the gym. The main factor holding the Beats Fit Pro back from gold is the price."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Beats Fit Pro
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.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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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.
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