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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize keeping costs down, Apple Earpods are a convenient choice and perform well for everyday use. However, if you're looking for higher sound quality and features such as active noise cancelling, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 might suit you better. Keep in mind that with the Pi7 S2, you're also getting a more durable build and better battery life, which justifies the higher price. The Pi7 S2 is also likely to offer additional codecs for better sound quality over Bluetooth. But for users seeking simplicity and affordability, the Apple Earpods would be the sensible option. 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 TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
8.3
5.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
5.2
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
5.6
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
6.0
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 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 Pi7 S2 has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$127
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 costs $127.
Build Quality
7.6
8.9
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
7.5
The Apple Earpods and Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 are both good for music.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $127 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Bowers and Wilkins | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 0.75 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 13 | |
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 | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
See more
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."
Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2
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Dig into reviews and images
Engadget
Billy Steele | March 2023
"While the overall sound quality is great, these earbuds fall short in terms of battery life, customization and ANC performance. Bowers & Wilkins’ ability to consistently deliver pristine sound isn’t enough to make up for what the Pi7 S2 lacks, which is unfortunately quite a bit."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 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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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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