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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Apple Earpods are significantly less expensive and may appeal to budget-conscious users seeking a decent audio experience for calls and casual listening; they are particularly optimized for Apple devices and are portable with a less intrusive fit. However, the EPOS PC38X, while more costly, delivers superior sound quality, comfort, and an exceptional microphone, making it ideal for extended music sessions, immersive gaming, and clear communication in calls or meetings. Note that neither option supports wireless audio, active noise cancelling, or specific certifications for sweat or dust resistance. If you prioritize sound and build quality over cost and need a versatile headset for various heavy audio use cases, the EPOS PC38X is a more suitable choice. 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
- The Apple Earpods has no clear advantages over the EPOS PC38X.
Advantages of the EPOS PC38X
- Best in class for music
- Best in class for phone calls
- Best in class for gaming
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.8
9.5
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Gaming
8.3
10.0
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for gaming, while the Apple Earpods is very good.
Phone Calls
8.0
10.0
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for phone calls, while the Apple Earpods is very good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
7.9
The EPOS PC38X and Apple Earpods are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the EPOS PC38X is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.4
9.0
The EPOS PC38X is excellent for TV and video, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Cost
$20
$139
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the EPOS PC38X costs $139.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The EPOS PC38X has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Earpods and EPOS PC38X are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Earpods and the EPOS PC38X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | EPOS PC38X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $139 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | EPOS | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | September 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 9.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 10/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 10/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.5/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Boom | |
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."
EPOS PC38X
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Dig into reviews and images
Everyday Listening
Ryan Soo | November 2021
"Lightweight and comfortable design, Mic arm with mute, Excellent tuning, Highly natural midrange voicing, Clean and separated bass, Solid soundstage dimensions. Combining all day comfort and integrated coms with a balanced and spacious sound from essentially any source, it is hard to deny the versatility and value provided by the PC38X."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the EPOS PC38X
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 EPOS
EPOS is a relatively new company with a very long heritage. Previously known as Sennheiser Communications, EPOS is the result of the joint venture between the German headphone manufacturer Sennheiser and the Danish Demant that sought to develop premium audio communication solutions. They specialize in two main product groups, enterprise communications and gaming communication headsets and processing devices.
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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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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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