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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're seeking an audiophile-grade sound for critical listening in calm environments, the Audeze LCD 2 Classic over-ear headphones deliver superior sound quality with a more expansive soundstage, but are not portable, lack built-in controls, and don't isolate noise well, which makes them less versatile for use in noisy or on-the-go settings. In contrast, the Beats Powerbeats Pro earbuds offer a good balance of sound quality and convenience; they are wireless, have excellent built-in controls for ease of use, are sweatproof for exercise, and feature a secure fit with ear hooks, but they might not provide the same level of sound detail and openness as the Audeze. Consider the Audeze if your priority is sound quality at home or in the studio, and the Powerbeats Pro if you need versatility and functionality for an active lifestyle. 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 Audeze LCD 2 Classic
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Beats Powerbeats Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
9.2
6.5
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Gaming
7.3
5.5
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for gaming, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
4.8
7.0
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
9.2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good.
TV and Video
8.6
5.7
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good for TV and video, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
4.6
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Audeze LCD 2 Classic are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats Powerbeats Pro is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
10.0 Hours
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic does not have a battery. The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$799
$124
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Beats Powerbeats Pro costs $124.
Build Quality
10.0
8.8
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro has very good build quality.
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How the Audeze LCD 2 Classic and the Beats Powerbeats Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audeze LCD 2 Classic | Beats Powerbeats Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$799 | $124 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audeze | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2017 | May 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.3/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.3/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 4.6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 635 Grams | 11 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audeze LCD 2 Classic
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Dig into reviews and images
The Greatest Song
Greatest Song Team | August 2023
"These headphones outdo rival planar magnetic headphones, especially in terms of dynamics. Compared to the Hifiman Ananda or the Hifiman Edition XS there is noticeably more slam in the sound, particularly in the bass. The LCD-2C gives you a fantastic sense of quiet dynamics with crystalline precision. This is evident also in our clinical tests, where it’s just easier to understand spoken text at very low volumes."
Beats Powerbeats Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | November 2022
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Beats Powerbeats Pro
About Audeze
Audeze is an, award-winning, American premium headphone manufacturer based in California. Founded in 2008, their products are developed around aerospace materials technology first used by NASA and are widely used by enthusiasts and professionals alike, not only in the fields of music and sound engineering but also in e-sports and the health industry.
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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