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Updated January 10, 2024·
If budget is a key concern and you primarily listen to music, the Apple Earpods are significantly less expensive and offer a decent overall sound quality. They are also comfortable, portable, have good microphone quality for calls, and are wired, so there's no need to worry about battery life. However, if you exercise often and need something sweatproof with a secure fit, the Beats Powerbeats Pro are better suited since they're designed for active users, have a longer battery life, offer wireless freedom, and are optimized for Apple devices. Note that they are heavier and larger, which may affect comfort and portability for some users. 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 Powerbeats Pro
Good for air travel
Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8/10
6.5/10
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Gaming
8.3/10
5.5/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0/10
7.0/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4/10
9.2/10
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
7.4/10
5.7/10
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
4.6/10
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Apple Earpods are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats Powerbeats Pro is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
10.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$250
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Beats Powerbeats Pro costs $250.
Build Quality
7.6/10
8.8/10
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has very good 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."
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Beats Powerbeats 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.
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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.