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Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats EP are wired, on-ear headphones and are more affordable, suitable if you prefer a constant, reliable connection without charging concerns. The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are premium, wireless earbuds offering freedom of movement and modern features like active noise cancelling, but at a higher cost. If budget is a consideration and you don't mind wires, the Beats EP could be for you, whereas if you value wireless convenience and additional features for travel and exercise, consider investing in the Bowers and Wilkins PI7. 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 Beats EP
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Bowers and Wilkins PI7
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.1
6.8
The Beats EP is very good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
8.1
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for gaming, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.2
5.1
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
4.8
The Beats EP is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
6.8
The Beats EP is good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.3
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
Battery
N/A
3.0 Hours
The Beats EP does not have a battery. The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$399
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 costs $399.
Build Quality
8.0
8.9
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Beats EP both have very good build quality, though the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has somewhat better build quality.
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How the Beats EP and the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Bowers and Wilkins PI7 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $399 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Bowers and Wilkins | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | April 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 5.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 0.7 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 20 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats EP
See more
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."
Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Chase Bernath | April 2022
"The primary selling point of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is the charging case that can transmit audio from any analog source to the earbuds. If you have a very specific and clear need for that feature, then the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is for you."
Get a great deal on the Beats EP or the Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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.
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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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.
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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.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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.
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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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