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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 are wired, on-ear headphones with a closed enclosure, providing a solid build and decent sound quality, suited for casual music listening and TV. Without a microphone, they're not ideal for calls. The Sony WF1000XM5 earbuds are wireless with advanced features like active noise cancellation, app support with an equalizer, and a longer battery life, enhancing experiences like air travel and exercise. They're also optimized for both Android and Apple devices with integrated mics for calls. Choose Beats EP for affordability and simplicity or Sony WF1000XM5 for high-tech features and versatility, but at a higher price point. 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
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.3
5.1
The Beats EP is only fair for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.2
5.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the Sony WF1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
4.9
The Beats EP is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
5.4
The Beats EP is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The Beats EP does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$298
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
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Key similarities
Music
8.1
8.0
The Beats EP and Sony WF1000XM5 are both very good for music.
Build Quality
8.0
8.5
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Beats EP both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats EP and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 6 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."
Sony WF1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Beats EP or the Sony WF1000XM5
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.
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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.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
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Recommendations made
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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.
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