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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize affordability and the convenience of wireless connectivity, the Apple EarPods with their integrated microphone for calls and voice assistants may be the practical choice. However, if audio quality and comfort for extended listening sessions are paramount, the over-ear Sennheiser 560S headphones, known for detailed sound reproduction and wider soundstage, could be more satisfying, despite the higher price and the lack of wireless features. They may not be optimal for on-the-go scenarios due to their size and the need for a wired connection. Consider how you intend to use them to guide your decision. 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 Sennheiser 560S
- Best in class for music
- Excellent for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8
9.5
The Sennheiser 560S is best in class for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Gaming
8.3
6.9
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Sennheiser 560S is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.0
5.1
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Sennheiser 560S is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
8.1
The Sennheiser 560S is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
7.4
9.1
The Sennheiser 560S is excellent for TV and video, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Cost
$20
$180
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Sennheiser 560S costs $180.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Earpods and Sennheiser 560S are both poor for noise reduction.
Build Quality
7.6
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sennheiser 560S to have very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Sennheiser 560S compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Sennheiser 560S |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sennheiser | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | September 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 9.2/10 | |
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 | 8/10 | |
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 | 244.9 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."
Sennheiser 560S
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | March 2022
"Sennheiser made a near perfect pair of studio monitors with the HD 560S. Flat bass response? Check. Neutral and uncolored midrange? Check. Extended treble with a bit of lower-treble emphasis to highlight mastering flaws? Check. Fairly easy to drive? Check. Good soundstage and imaging? Check, and check."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Sennheiser 560S
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 Sennheiser
A family-owned company, Sennheiser is a German, high fidelity, audio equipment manufacturer founded in 1945. Their consumer audio division is now owned by the Swiss hearing aid and cochlear implant manufacturer Sonova. Sennheiser offers a wide variety of, very high quality, audio equipment solutions, from headphones to earbuds, full sets of monitoring speakers, amplifiers and microphones. They also make what is widely regarded as the best, and most expensive, headphones in existence, the HE-1 Orpheus, costing a whopping $59,000 dollars.
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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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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