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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you mainly listen to music and prioritize microphone quality for calls, the Steelseries TUSQ would be better as they have higher ratings for sound and mic quality and are suitable for gaming too. However, they are more expensive and have less portability. Conversely, the less expensive Apple Earpods score higher for use during air travel and are more portable, but they aren't suitable for exercise and do not offer the same sound isolation or gaming optimization as the TUSQ. Neither option supports wireless connectivity or active noise canceling, and the Earpods also lack low latency features important for TV and gaming. 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
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Steelseries TUSQ
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Phone Calls
8.0
5.2
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Steelseries TUSQ is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
4.7
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Steelseries TUSQ is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The Steelseries TUSQ is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Cost
$20
$40
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Steelseries TUSQ costs $40.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
7.6
The Apple Earpods and Steelseries TUSQ are both good for music.
Gaming
8.3
8.5
The Steelseries TUSQ and Apple Earpods are both very good for gaming.
TV and Video
7.4
7.3
The Apple Earpods and Steelseries TUSQ are both good for TV and video.
Build Quality
7.6
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Steelseries TUSQ to have very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Steelseries TUSQ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Steelseries TUSQ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $40 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Steelseries | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | August 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 11 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."
Steelseries TUSQ
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Dig into reviews and images
Can Buy or Not
Aloysius Low | March 2021
"The SteelSeries Arctis Tusq is a great headset for those on a more modest budget. You can use it for gaming or music, and I daresay it's also great for Zoom meetings when you don't want to be wearing on-ear or over-ear headphones."
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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 Steelseries
Steelseries is a Danish gaming products manufacturer founded in 2001 and owned by GN Store Nord. Beside a large variety of gaming peripherals like mice, keyboards, and mousemats, Steelseries markets the Arctis line of gaming headsets which feature integrated boom microphones and RGB lighting. Steelseries has partnered with several game publishers and studios for limited editions of their products like a line of Cyberpunk 2077 themed headsets in 2020.
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Why trust us
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.
By the numbers
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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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