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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you value portability and have a tighter budget, Apple Earpods may be suitable for you, considering they are significantly cheaper. They lack a microphone, but they're great for music, calls, are optimized for Apple devices, and have a stellar battery life. Razer Kraken V3 headphones, although pricier, offer superior build quality, comfort, and a boom microphone that's better for gaming. They are not as travel-friendly and don't have active noise cancelling, but they include virtual surround sound which can enhance your gaming and movie-watching experience. If you are seeking a headphone for intensive use in gaming and at home, Razer Kraken V3 might be worth the extra investment. 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
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Razer Kraken V3
- The Razer Kraken V3 has no clear advantages over the Apple Earpods.
Key differences
Music
7.8
7.3
The Apple Earpods and Razer Kraken V3 are both good for music, though the Apple Earpods is somewhat better.
Gaming
8.3
7.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Razer Kraken V3 is good.
Phone Calls
8.0
5.0
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Razer Kraken V3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
4.7
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Razer Kraken V3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The Razer Kraken V3 is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Cost
$20
$80
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Razer Kraken V3 costs $80.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The Razer Kraken V3 has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.4
7.0
The Apple Earpods and Razer Kraken V3 are both good for TV and video.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Razer Kraken V3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Razer Kraken V3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Razer | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | June 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 7.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.1/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 325 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Boom | |
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."
Razer Kraken V3
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Sam Smart | November 2022
"This Razer Kraken V3 is a great headset for gamers who want comfort, surround sound, and software customization for a reasonable price. It's primarily a headset for PC gamers since THX Spatial audio is only supported on Windows. If you want something more multifaceted for multiple systems, this won't be an ideal headset for you. Luckily, there are plenty of competent Kraken V3 alternatives available to you."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Razer Kraken V3
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 Razer
Razer is an American-Singaporean hardware manufacturer aimed specifically toward the gaming market. They manufacture a very wide array of gaming laptops, tablets, phones, peripherals and, of course, headphones and earbuds both wired and wireless. Since 2016, Razer has owned the THX suite, aimed at quality assurance of audiovisual systems such as speaker sets, video game consoles and even movie theaters.
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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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