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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for convenience and portability for casual listening or making phone calls on the go, the Apple EarPods are a suitable choice, especially if budget is a consideration, as they're typically less expensive. However, if you prioritize sound quality and are an audiophile who wants a more immersive listening experience with a wider soundstage and more detailed audio reproduction for home use, the Focal Elex, although at a higher price point, would greatly outperform the EarPods in these aspects. The EarPods are an entry-level option, whereas the Focal Elex caters to high-fidelity audio enthusiasts. 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
Advantages of the Focal Elex
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
8.3
6.9
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Focal Elex is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.0
4.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Focal Elex is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
8.3
The Focal Elex is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Cost
$20
$749
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
7.7
The Apple Earpods and Focal Elex are both good for music.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
7.1
The Apple Earpods and Focal Elex are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Earpods and Focal Elex are both poor for noise reduction.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple Earpods and the Focal Elex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Focal Elex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $749 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | December 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 450 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | N/A | |
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."
Focal Elex
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Dig into reviews and images
Golden Sound
Golden Sound | October 2021
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Focal Elex
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.
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Why trust us
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.
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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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