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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize lower cost, the Apple Earpods are a budget-friendly option, especially suitable for calls, meetings, and listening to books or podcasts. They feature an open design, which doesn't isolate sound but can be more comfortable during long listening sessions. However, they lack wireless capabilities and aren't ideal for exercise due to lower build and sweat resistance. Conversely, the Jaybird Vista 2, despite being more expensive, offers better overall sound quality and a secure fit, making them excellent for use during exercise with sweatproof and dustproof features. They also offer active noise cancelling for better noise isolation, wireless convenience, and an accompanying app with customization options, but they may be less suitable for immersive gaming or TV due to their soundstage characteristics and battery life considerations. 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
Good for music
Very good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Jaybird Vista 2
Best in class for exercise
Very good for air travel
Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8/10
6.3/10
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the Jaybird Vista 2 is only fair.
Gaming
8.3/10
5.2/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Jaybird Vista 2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4/10
9.0/10
The Jaybird Vista 2 is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
7.4/10
5.6/10
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Jaybird Vista 2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
7.0/10
The Jaybird Vista 2 is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Jaybird Vista 2 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$118
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Jaybird Vista 2 costs $118.
Build Quality
7.6/10
9.0/10
The Jaybird Vista 2 has excellent build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
"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."
"Compared to the original Vista, the Jaybird Vista 2 adds some key features including ANC and SurroundSense to control how much environmental noise you hear. If you're an athlete and are looking for rugged earbuds with tons of customization options, the Jaybird Vista 2 makes for a good option—but only if you are able to achieve a proper fit from the proprietary ear tips."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Jaybird Vista 2
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 Jaybird
Jaybird is an American headphone and activity tracker manufacturer focused on the exercise and sports market. The company was founded in 2006 by Judd Armstrong who sought for a product that was thoroughly sweatproof and that wouldn’t get in the way during physical activity. Jaybird is a part of the Swiss company Logitech International, since 2016.
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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
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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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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.