A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats EP are a more budget-friendly option and provide a closed-back design for better noise isolation, making them suitable for commute and noisy environments. They are also lighter and have a built-in mic, which is advantageous for calls and casual use. On the other hand, the HifiMan Arya Stealth are high-end headphones with an open-back design that offers a superior sound quality and wider soundstage, ideal for critical listening and a more immersive experience. However, due to their open-back nature, they let in more ambient noise and are not recommended for noisy settings or during exercise. The Arya Stealth also have a more premium build but are heavier. Neither of the two offers wireless connectivity or active noise cancelling, with both being wired models. Choose the Beats EP for everyday use and a tighter budget, or the HifiMan Arya Stealth for an audiophile-grade listening experience at a higher 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
- The Beats EP has no clear advantages over the HifiMan Arya Stealth.
Advantages of the HifiMan Arya Stealth
- Best in class for music
- Good for gaming
- Excellent for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.1
10.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is best in class for music, while the Beats EP is very good.
Gaming
6.3
7.1
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is good for gaming, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.2
5.1
The HifiMan Arya Stealth and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the HifiMan Arya Stealth is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
8.1
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
9.4
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is excellent for TV and video, while the Beats EP is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The Beats EP and HifiMan Arya Stealth are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
Cost
$100
$649
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the HifiMan Arya Stealth costs $649.
Build Quality
8.0
9.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth has excellent build quality, while the Beats EP has very good build quality.
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How the Beats EP and the HifiMan Arya Stealth compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | HifiMan Arya Stealth |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $649 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | November 1, 2018 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 10/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 7.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.5/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 2.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 408.2 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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."
HifiMan Arya Stealth
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | October 2022
"The Arya can easily be end-game headphones for 99% of consumers, satisfying most audio desires. Priced well above USD$1000, the Arya are obviously and gloriously not for the mass market consumer; they are designed and built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts – especially those who view their expenses on this level of gear as investments."
Get a great deal on the Beats EP or the HifiMan Arya Stealth
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 HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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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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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