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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If cost is a primary concern and you need earbuds for casual listening or making calls, the Apple EarPods offer convenience and decent sound at a lower price. However, if sound quality is paramount and you're after a high-fidelity listening experience, the HiFiMan Edition XS, despite being pricier, provides superior audio performance with more detail and clarity, but they may not include features like a microphone or wireless connectivity. Remember, the HiFiMan headphones are bulkier and less portable, making the EarPods a better choice for on-the-go use. 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 Edition XS
- Very good for music
- Best in class for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.8
8.8
The HifiMan Edition XS is very good for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Gaming
8.3
7.4
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the HifiMan Edition XS is good.
Phone Calls
8.0
5.0
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the HifiMan Edition XS is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
9.5
The HifiMan Edition XS is best in class for TV and video, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Cost
$20
$269
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the HifiMan Edition XS costs $269.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The HifiMan Edition XS has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
7.9
The HifiMan Edition XS and Apple Earpods are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Earpods and HifiMan Edition XS are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Earpods and the HifiMan Edition XS compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | HifiMan Edition XS |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $269 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | December 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 7.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.4/10 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 421 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 Edition XS
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | January 2023
"The Edition XS easily compete with headphones in their price range with a very high price-to-performance ratio. The XS are an amazing value and offer performance not far off from headphones more than twice their cost. These will be a mind-blowing revelation for enthusiasts and music lovers who have only heard standard big-brand mainstream headphones."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the HifiMan Edition XS
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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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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