A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If sound quality in music is your top priority and you prefer an on-ear design, the Beats EP offers better overall sound and build quality; however, they may be less comfortable for long periods and lack a microphone for calls. The Sony MDREX15AP, being budget-friendly, provides fair-to-good sound for TV and video but may fall short in build quality and sound isolation. With a stemless earbud design, the Sonys have greater portability and are excellent for travel, especially with their very good comfort rating, but they do not have wireless capabilities like the Beats EP, which is wired only. Both are suitable choices depending on whether you prioritize cost, sound quality, or portability for everyday use. 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 Sony MDREX15AP.
Advantages of the Sony MDREX15AP
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Phone Calls
4.2
3.5
The Beats EP and Sony MDREX15AP are both poor for phone calls, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
5.4
The Beats EP is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the Beats EP is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
7.0
The Sony MDREX15AP is good for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
Cost
$100
$20
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Music
8.1
8.3
The Sony MDREX15AP and Beats EP are both very good for music.
Gaming
6.3
6.7
The Sony MDREX15AP and Beats EP are both only fair for gaming.
Build Quality
8.0
8.0
The Beats EP and Sony MDREX15AP both have very good build quality.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Beats EP and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.6/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 3.1 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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."
Sony MDREX15AP
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Get a great deal on the Beats EP or the Sony MDREX15AP
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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
95,600
Recommendations made
14,340
Consumer hours saved
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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
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.
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.
Featured in
