AirPods vs. EarPods in Price, Quality, Battery, and More

Nola Jones
Nov 24, 2023 / Updated by Nola Jones to Knowledge

Apple provided the best quality sound with the EarPods, and years later, AirPods were released. EarPods and AirPods are among the favorite Apple accessories that can now be bought separately. So, the question of which one to buy arises. As you know, the major difference between the two is wired and wireless. If you plan to buy now, get to know these two devices by scrolling down to see the broad AirPods vs. EarPods comparison.

Introduction of AirPods and EarPods

For those who have spent time listening to music, you should get a device like AirPods and EarPods manufactured by Apple. Those two always succeed in giving iOS users high-quality sound. Although that’s the case, both still differ in some aspects, such as price, quality, battery life, etc. Before getting into that, this part of AirPods vs. EarPods will briefly describe the two.

What is EarPods?

Every time you buy a new iPhone or iPad, you will surely get EarPods with the box set. You can buy them individually from Apple Stores or authorized sellers, too! It was introduced as a wired earphone with a headphone jack and began its popularity with the newly designed iPhone 5. Only when the headphone jack was changed into a lighting connector in 2016 and was started with the iPhone 7, letting users connect other third parties with the port.

What is AirPods?

Apple stepped up its game with the release of AirPods in 2016, a wireless headphone that provides high-quality sound. It is entirely wireless, designed by Apple, and has a microphone built to filter unwanted background noises, letting you listen to music, make a phone call, talk to Siri by double-tapping, and more. In March 2019, Apple launched the AirPods 2, which is similar to the original but improves Siri activation by saying, "Hey, Sir."

AirPods VS EarPods: Comparison in Quality, Price, and More

Followed by the description of the two Apple devices, it’s time to compare AirPods and EarPods in detail. Giving you a complete comparison featuring the quality, features, design, and more, read one to determine which one is best.

Comparison Table AirPods EarPods
Price Much more expensive at $160 Sounds affordable for $30
Need Wire or Not Wireless Not Wireless
Design Has the same design as the classic one but without cables Comes with a controller on its cable as well as a built-in microphone
Additional Function Supports "Hey, Siri" functionality No Siri support
Battery Life Five hours of wireless listening on a single charge No need to charge; just plug it into your device to start using it

1. AirPods vs. EarPods: Price

AirPods and EarPods can be purchased from the Apple Store or Apple-authorized sellers. Of course, one of the factors to consider before buying either of the two is the price. Since AirPods are more advanced as it is wireless, you should expect them to have a higher price compared to EarPods.

AirPods: $160

EarPods: $30

2. AirPods vs. EarPods: Sound Quality

AirPods: As for the bass performance, the original and the second one are pretty music similar to the delivery of EarPods. For giving you detail and clarity, it uses advanced technologies, so it is much superior in giving you an immersive listening experience. Furthermore, it comes with active noise cancellation, which EarPods lack.

EarPods: In terms of the bass response, it surely provides a solid impact like AirPods. Meanwhile, the clarity and detail might be lacking at some point compared to AirPods, but EarPods still satisfies your music-listening experiences. Overall, its performance is suitable to your requirements.

3. AirPods vs. EarPods: Design

AirPods: The device comes with a sleek white colored case with a charger. The latest release, the Pro and Max, contain advanced audio technology, such as active noise cancellation and updated drivers.

EarPods: On the other hand, this device provides controllers over the cord, right in the middle, from which you can adjust the volume and play the next song. They are plugged into your iOS devices through the 3.5mm jack or connector.

Design

4. AirPods vs. EarPods: Wireless vs. Wired

AirPods: As said, AirPods provide you with wireless connectivity. No need for a long cable just to plug it into your iOS device. It also supports trouble-free charging and lets you use it for about 5 hours. Thus, if you have trouble with the wires and want free movement for music listening, AirPods is the one for you.

EarPods: The classic EarPods require no charging as they work with either a headphone jack or lighting cable to be plugged into your iPhone or iPad. As mentioned, this wire supports more controllers for adjusting the audio volume and playing the next song.

5. AirPods vs. EarPods: Fit and Comfort

AirPods: Concerning comfort, AirPods give you a comfortable experience since they are plastic earbuds without ear tips. Plus, it is lightweight, and the lack of cords makes it more comfortable to wear for a period.

EarPods: It offers the same comfort as AirPods since it is designed with plastic earbuds without ear tips as well. Users find it fit and very comfortable to wear because of its shape that perfectly matches the ear curves. However, it might not be ideal for everyone, especially if you are easily annoyed with its cords.

Fit and Comfort

6. AirPods vs. EarPods: Features and Functionality

AirPods: The wireless earbuds come with Siri support, letting you control your calls, music, and others through the voice command. It has wireless charging and active noise cancellation to block all extra noises. It also has Spatial Audio, which helps provide an immersive music-listening experience.

EarPods: The classic offers a microphone built with a control attached to the cable, giving you a quality voice during calls and control over the music playback. It is also compatible with many devices, including older iOS models that support headphone jack.

Features and Functionality

7. AirPods vs. EarPods: Battery Life

AirPods: Users can enjoy at least 5 hours of listening to music on a single charge. Its case also gives you lots of charges, letting you extend the battery life, suitable for a single day.

EarPods: Meanwhile, when it comes to the battery life of EarPods, you won’t need any charging since it depends on your device’s power by just plugging it in.

Which Is better for you?

And now it’s on you whether to pick the AirPods or EarPods. Remember, go for the AirPods if you prefer a much more comfortable experience, like having no cables tied around your device, and advanced features like the Siri supports and noise reduction. On the other hand, if you think EarPods provide more affordable offers with a good wired connection that comes with a microphone and controllers, go for it.

FAQs about Choosing AirPods or EarPods for Apple Devices

Conclusion

For those who have difficulties picking the right one between the AirPods and EarPods, hopefully, after this AirPods vs. EarPods post, you finally got the suitable one. If you're willing to spend much and enjoy advanced features, go for the AirPods, but if you love the classic wired into your ears and worried about losing the wireless AirPods, EarPods is the way to go! Whatever you choose, both are guaranteeing the best listening experience.

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