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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If budget is a primary concern, you may lean towards the Sony MDREX15AP as they are often significantly less expensive than the Apple Earpods. However, the Earpods offer a more comprehensive experience with better overall sound quality, microphone quality, and calls and meetings performance. The Sony, on the other hand, has better noise isolation and its closed design may be preferable for listening in noisy environments. For activities like exercise or air travel, both may not be ideal, but the Apple Earpods are rated poorly for these uses. Lastly, consider the form factor—Earpods have a stemmed, open design while the Sony earbuds are stemless and closed, which might influence comfort and fit. 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 Sony MDREX15AP
- Very good for music
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
8.3
6.7
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Sony MDREX15AP is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.0
3.5
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
5.4
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
7.0
The Sony MDREX15AP is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
8.3
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony MDREX15AP to be very good for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Cost
$20
$20
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
Build Quality
7.6
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony MDREX15AP to have very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.6/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 7/10 | |
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 | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 3.1 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."
Sony MDREX15AP
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Dig into reviews and images
Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Sony MDREX15AP
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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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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