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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize exceptional build quality and wireless convenience, consider the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX, with active noise canceling, sweatproof certification, and suitable for exercise and air travel. They offer great sound for music, TV, and are equipped with aptX Adaptive codec for better sound quality, although calls might not be their strong suit. For those on a budget who don't mind a wired connection and where microphone quality and active noise canceling aren't important, the Beats EP offers good sound quality, especially for music, but may not be the best for gaming or outdoor activities due to lack of features like sweatproofing. Choose Bang and Olufsen if you need the latest features and are willing to pay a premium, or go for Beats if you want a solid listening experience at a more affordable price. 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 Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX
- Excellent for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Very good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Beats EP
- Very good for music
Key differences
Gaming
9.3
6.3
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is excellent for gaming, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Phone Calls
5.3
4.2
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.1
6.8
The Beats EP and Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
TV and Video
8.9
7.6
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is very good for TV and video, while the Beats EP is good.
Noise Reduction
8.3
5.3
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
Battery
6.5 Hours
N/A
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Beats EP does not have a battery.
Cost
$399
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has a price of $399 and the Beats EP costs $100.
Build Quality
10.0
8.0
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has best in class build quality, while the Beats EP has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.9
8.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Beats EP to be very good for music, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is good.
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How the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX and the Beats EP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX | Beats EP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$399 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bang and Olufsen | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | November 1, 2018 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.4/10 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 9/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 22 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6 Grams | 226.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Leaf and Core
Danielle | January 2023
"If you’ve wanted truly wireless headphones, but couldn’t pick them up because they sound terrible, these will be the headphones that win you over. If you’re the kind of person who would consider spending $400 on headphones, these are the right truly wireless headphones for you."
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
Get a great deal on the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX or the Beats EP
About Bang and Olufsen
Bang and Olufsen is an almost century-old electronic goods manufacturer based in Denmark with a very special focus on design. Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen created the first AC radio in 1925 and went on to develop televisions, telephones and, of course, headphones and loudspeakers. Today, they are partnered with several companies, like Audi, BMW and Aston Martin, to provide very high-quality audio solutions.
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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