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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats EP are wired on-ear headphones, which are more compact and can be a good choice for portability and if you're on a budget since they are less expensive than the HifiMan Edition XS. However, the HifiMan Edition XS are over-ear, planar magnetic headphones that likely offer a more detailed and spacious sound, which could be preferable if you prioritize audio quality and have a larger budget. Keep in mind, the HifiMan Edition XS might also be more comfortable for extended listening sessions due to their over-ear design. If you want convenience and savings, go for Beats EP. For top-notch sound quality and comfort, consider investing in the HifiMan Edition XS. 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 Edition XS.
Advantages of the HifiMan Edition XS
- Good for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.1
8.8
The HifiMan Edition XS and Beats EP are both very good for music, though the HifiMan Edition XS is somewhat better.
Gaming
6.3
7.4
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for gaming, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.2
5.0
The HifiMan Edition XS and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the HifiMan Edition XS is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
7.9
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
9.5
The HifiMan Edition XS is best in class for TV and video, while the Beats EP is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The Beats EP and HifiMan Edition XS are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
Cost
$100
$269
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the HifiMan Edition XS costs $269.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.0
8.5
The HifiMan Edition XS and Beats EP both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats EP and the HifiMan Edition XS compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | HifiMan Edition XS |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $269 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | December 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 7.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.4/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 421 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 Edition XS
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | January 2023
"The Edition XS easily compete with headphones in their price range with a very high price-to-performance ratio. The XS are an amazing value and offer performance not far off from headphones more than twice their cost. These will be a mind-blowing revelation for enthusiasts and music lovers who have only heard standard big-brand mainstream headphones."
Get a great deal on the Beats EP or the HifiMan Edition XS
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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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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