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 on-ear, closed-back headphones which means they'll offer better noise isolation, a bit more bass, and are lighter, which could make them a better fit for commuting and use in noisier environments. On the other hand, the Philips Fidelio X2HR are over-ear, open-back headphones, providing a wider soundstage and more natural listening experience, which is ideal for enjoying music at home in a quiet setting. While the Beats EP are slightly less expensive, the Fidelio X2HR offer superior sound quality and comfort, but they are heavier and less portable. 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 Philips Fidelio X2HR.
Advantages of the Philips Fidelio X2HR
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.1
9.3
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is excellent for music, while the Beats EP is very good.
Gaming
6.3
7.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is good for gaming, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.2
5.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the Philips Fidelio X2HR is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
7.9
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
8.8
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is very good for TV and video, while the Beats EP is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The Beats EP and Philips Fidelio X2HR are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
Cost
$100
$148
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the Philips Fidelio X2HR costs $148.
Build Quality
8.0
9.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR has excellent build quality, while the Beats EP has very good build quality.
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How the Beats EP and the Philips Fidelio X2HR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Philips Fidelio X2HR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $148 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | September 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
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 | 390 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."
Philips Fidelio X2HR
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Dig into reviews and images
Liquid Audio
Stefan | May 2022
"This piece is a fantastic option for music lovers searching for premium sound and a snug fit. You should get these headphones if you care about sound quality and want to hear music in a new light. This technology is a great option for high-quality headphones with superb sound reproduction."
Get a great deal on the Beats EP or the Philips Fidelio X2HR
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 Philips
Philips is a Dutch conglomerate and electronics manufacturer with over 130 years of history. Philips makes the Fidelio audio line which includes several models of full-sized wired and wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds. soundbars and wireless speakers.
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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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