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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If affordability is key, Apple Earpods are a budget-friendly option and provide convenience for Apple device users, with good integration and ease of use. However, for enthusiasts looking for superior sound quality, all-day comfort, and a detailed listening experience, the HifiMan Sundara, although pricier, will deliver higher fidelity audio and better overall performance. This tradeoff reflects in their design as well: Earpods are compact and suited for on-the-go use, while Sundaras are bulkier and designed for static, immersive listening sessions. Note that HifiMan's open-back design may not be ideal for noisy environments compared to the isolating design of Earpods. 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 Sundara
- Excellent for music
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.8
9.3
The HifiMan Sundara is excellent for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Gaming
8.3
7.2
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the HifiMan Sundara is good.
Phone Calls
8.0
4.9
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the HifiMan Sundara is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
8.8
The HifiMan Sundara is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Cost
$20
$279
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the HifiMan Sundara costs $279.
Build Quality
7.6
8.2
The HifiMan Sundara has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
7.8
The HifiMan Sundara and Apple Earpods are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Earpods and HifiMan Sundara are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Earpods and the HifiMan Sundara compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | HifiMan Sundara |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $279 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | May 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 8.2/10 | |
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 | 394.6 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 Sundara
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | July 2023
"The HiFiMan Sundara is the set of headphones to get if you want high-end audio, but don't want to shell out a king's ransom for it. These planar magnetic headphones are comfortable, straightforward, and excellent performers."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the HifiMan Sundara
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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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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