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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If cost is a major factor for you, the Apple Earpods would be the more economical choice; however, the HifiMan Arya Stealth is geared towards audiophile-level sound quality with a much larger soundstage and better detail retrieval, making them ideal for critical listening sessions at home. The Earpods are more portable and offer convenience for on-the-go use with good general-purpose sound quality and easy integration with Apple devices, but they won't match the Arya Stealth in terms of audio fidelity. Consider also that the Arya Stealth is more likely to require a dedicated amplifier to reach its full potential, further increasing the investment. Decide based on whether your priority is casual, convenient listening or a high-end audio experience. 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 HifiMan Arya Stealth
- Best in class for music
- Excellent for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8
10.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is best in class for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Gaming
8.3
7.1
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is good.
Phone Calls
8.0
5.1
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
8.1
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
7.4
9.4
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is excellent for TV and video, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Cost
$20
$999
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the HifiMan Arya Stealth costs $999.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth has excellent 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 HifiMan Arya Stealth are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Earpods and the HifiMan Arya Stealth compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | HifiMan Arya Stealth |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $999 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | November 1, 2018 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 10/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 9.5/10 | |
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 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
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 | 408.2 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."
HifiMan Arya Stealth
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | October 2022
"The Arya can easily be end-game headphones for 99% of consumers, satisfying most audio desires. Priced well above USD$1000, the Arya are obviously and gloriously not for the mass market consumer; they are designed and built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts – especially those who view their expenses on this level of gear as investments."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the HifiMan Arya Stealth
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 HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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