The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If price is a major concern, the Apple Earpods are less expensive and offer good sound quality for music and calls. However, if you're looking for higher-end features, the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 provide better noise isolation, sweat and dust resistance which makes them suitable for exercise, and active noise cancelling for quiet listening experiences during air travel or in noisy environments. The PI7 also supports advanced codecs like AptX Adaptive and AptX LL for high-quality audio and low latency, which is beneficial for gaming and watching videos. Conversely, the Earpods don't support wireless connectivity, which could limit convenience and mobility. 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
Good for TV and video
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Bowers and Wilkins PI7
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8/10
6.8/10
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.0/10
5.1/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4/10
4.8/10
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
TV and Video
7.4/10
6.8/10
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
8.3/10
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
3.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$399
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 costs $399.
Build Quality
7.6/10
8.9/10
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 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."
"The primary selling point of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is the charging case that can transmit audio from any analog source to the earbuds. If you have a very specific and clear need for that feature, then the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is for you."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
95,000
Recommendations made
14,250
Consumer hours saved
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.