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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Earpods are a more budget-friendly option and are highly portable, suitable for casual listening and taking calls on the go due to their built-in microphone and compact design. However, if sound quality and comfort for long listening sessions are important to you, the Philips Fidelio X2HR headphones offer superior audio fidelity, comfort, and an immersive listening experience appropriate for critical listening or enjoying high-quality recordings at home. The tradeoff for their improved sound is a higher price point and less portability compared to the 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 Philips Fidelio X2HR
- Excellent for music
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.8
9.3
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is excellent for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Gaming
8.3
7.0
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Philips Fidelio X2HR is good.
Phone Calls
8.0
5.0
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Philips Fidelio X2HR is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
7.9
The Philips Fidelio X2HR and Apple Earpods are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Philips Fidelio X2HR is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.4
8.8
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Cost
$20
$148
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Philips Fidelio X2HR costs $148.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR 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 Philips Fidelio X2HR are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Philips Fidelio X2HR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Philips Fidelio X2HR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $148 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | September 1, 2014 | |
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 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 8.9/10 | |
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 | 390 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."
Philips Fidelio X2HR
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Dig into reviews and images
Liquid Audio
Stefan | May 2022
"This piece is a fantastic option for music lovers searching for premium sound and a snug fit. You should get these headphones if you care about sound quality and want to hear music in a new light. This technology is a great option for high-quality headphones with superb sound reproduction."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Philips Fidelio X2HR
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 Philips
Philips is a Dutch conglomerate and electronics manufacturer with over 130 years of history. Philips makes the Fidelio audio line which includes several models of full-sized wired and wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds. soundbars and wireless speakers.
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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.
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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.
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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