A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
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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 headphones offer a solid build with good overall sound quality, suitable for general listening but have a fixed cable which may not be ideal for all users. They don't have a microphone, so if you need to make calls or attend meetings, they aren't the best choice. The Google Pixel Buds A Series earbuds provide a comfortable fit with a good microphone, making them great for calls and meetings. They also feature low latency mode, making them better for gaming and watching videos. Additionally, the Pixel Buds are optimized for use with Android devices and are sweatproof, which makes them more versatile for use during exercise. If portability and use during exercise are important to you, the more affordable and wireless Google Pixel Buds A Series might be the better option. However, if you prioritize a more secure fit and possibly a slightly better sound for music listening without needing a microphone, then the Beats EP might be worth the extra cost. 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
Advantages of the Google Pixel Buds A Series
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for exercise
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.1
6.4
The Beats EP is very good for music, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
8.6
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for gaming, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.2
8.5
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for phone calls, while the Beats EP is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
8.4
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Noise Reduction
5.3
4.6
The Beats EP and Google Pixel Buds A Series are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The Beats EP does not have a battery. The Google Pixel Buds A Series has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$58
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the Google Pixel Buds A Series costs $58.
Build Quality
8.0
7.4
The Beats EP has very good build quality, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series has good build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.6
7.8
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and Beats EP are both good for TV and video.
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How the Beats EP and the Google Pixel Buds A Series compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Google Pixel Buds A Series |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $58 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | June 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 8.7/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 7.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.3 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 | 5.3/10 | 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 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 5.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
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."
Google Pixel Buds A Series
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"For the person who doesn’t want to think about their earphones while using them, Google has created the Pixel Buds A-Series. For a reasonable price, Google packs in a bevy of features like touch controls and a good fit into this Android-friendly set of earbuds to make productivity and life easier."
Get a great deal on the Beats EP or the Google Pixel Buds A Series
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 Google
Mainly known as the most popular search engine on the planet, Google is a multinational technology company that also offers a variety of audio-oriented products. Beside their smart speakers under the Nest product line, Google offers several models of true wireless earbuds under the Pixel line, some of which happen to be an affordable but very powerful option for those already in the Android ecosystem.
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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.
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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
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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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