Apple AirPods vs EarPods Earbuds

Are you an iOS user that’s interested in a pair of earbuds, but aren’t sure if you should be buying the AirPods or EarPods? In this buyer’s guide we will compare the two earbuds so that you can figure out the right choice for your needs. At first glance they might look like similar products since they both have that basic white design. However, there are notable differences you should be aware of before coming to a decision.

We have created this buyer’s guide to save you time so that there is no need to bother with trying to figure out how they differ. Take the time to read until the end of this guide to be fully informed about how the Airpods compare with the Earpods.

Differences: AirPods vs EarPods

Price

The Earpods cost around $30 and the Airpods are priced at $160 so the choice might come down to your budget. If you don’t have much to spend then the Earpods are the obvious choice. You can also buy both pair of earbuds and use the cheaper Earpods as a backup pair or when you’re going traveling.

The AirPods are significantly higher in price so you need to give them a higher level of scrutiny. Whereas with the Earpods you don’t have to be as harsh since you’re not paying as much.

Audio quality

Regardless of the price difference the audio drivers of the AirPods and Earpods have a similar implementation. Therefore, you can expect similar audio quality, but the AirPods produce much better bass. Therefore, if you’re into music genres like rock, rap, hip-hop, and dance then you’ll love the improved bass of the AirPods.

Wireless vs wired

The AirPods are wireless whereas the EarPods have opted for a wired approach. If you want portability and freedom of movement then you should opt for wireless connectivity. The AirPods allows for 5 hours battery life and there is a quick charge feature that provides 3 hours of battery life for 15 minutes of charging.

Audio quality can be compromised with a wireless approach, but the Bluetooth version of the AirPods means you won’t experience problems in this department. The advantage of a wired approach means you don’t have to deal with constantly charging the battery.

Playback is limited with AirPods

You might think that the more expensive AirPods provide more functionality since they are more expensive, but surprisingly that isn’t the case. The wireless connection means there is no in-line control to allow you to skip tracks, adjust the volume, and fast-forward songs. The lack of the in-line control box means you’ll constantly need to get out the audio emitting device in order to adjust the audio experience.

Comfort

In the comfort department the AirPods and EarPods have a similar approach due to the plastic earbuds that don’t feature eartips. The lack of eartips means it’s a one size all type approach for both earbuds, which can be problematic if you have bigger or smaller ears than the average.

However, for both earbuds you can invest in an earhook accessory that allows you to achieve a secure fit. This can improve the comfort of the wearing experience because you don’t have to constantly adjust the fit.

Conclusion

The EarPods and AirPods are both great options for iOS users, but if you need to decide between the two models then there are factors worthy of attention. If you want wireless connectivity, premium audio quality, and a quick charge feature then opt for the AirPods. On the other hand, if you want wired connectivity, an affordable price, and in-line controls then opt for the EarPods.

Furthermore, the price difference is huge so this may naturally become the deciding factor. The EarPods provide good value for money since they only cost around $30, whereas the AirPods at $160 are a little overpriced for what they offer. In the end it comes down to the features you need and what price you’re willing to pay.