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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're on a budget, the Apple Earpods are significantly less expensive than the Bowers & Wilkins Pi5 S2 and offer a solid choice for casual listening and making calls, with good microphone quality and compatibility with wired connections. However, the Pi5 S2 provides a more immersive experience with better overall sound and active noise cancelling, making them better suited for noisy environments and travel. The Pi5 S2 also offers wireless convenience and is sweatproof, which makes them more suitable for exercising. Keep in mind that the Earpods are an older model, having been released back in 2012, which means they may lack some of the latest features and improvements found in the newer Pi5 S2. 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
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8/10
6.7/10
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is only fair.
Gaming
8.3/10
5.3/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0/10
5.0/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4/10
5.6/10
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
TV and Video
7.4/10
5.6/10
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
8.3/10
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$181
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 costs $181.
Build Quality
7.6/10
8.9/10
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 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."
"Bowers and Wilkins isn’t looking to make an obscure, premium wireless bud catered specifically towards audiophiles. Instead, it seems apparent that they’re going for the crown: a cool and popular look, an easy and comfortable fit, and an engaging stage with a great balance that is perfectly suited for mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
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 Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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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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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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.