Overall Score 6.8 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Overall Score 6.6 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Category | Features | Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) | Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX |
---|---|---|---|
DESIGN | ingress protection (ip) rating | ipX4 | ip57 |
weight | 8.56g | 12g | |
has no wires or cables | ✓ | ✓ | |
sweat resistance | ✓ | ✓ | |
has stereo speakers | ✓ | ✓ | |
SOUND QUALITY | has active noise cancellation (noise control) | ✓ | ✓ |
has passive noise reduction | ✓ | ✓ | |
driver unit size | 11mm | 9.2mm | |
lowest frequency | 10hz | 20hz | |
highest frequency | 20,000hz | 20,000hz | |
has a neodymium magnet | ✓ | ✗ | |
POWER | battery life | 6hours | 8hours |
battery life of charging case | 30hours | 20hours | |
charge time | 0.3hours | 1.5hours | |
battery power | 20mah | 70mah | |
has wireless charging | ✓ | ✓ | |
has a battery level indicator | ✓ | ✓ | |
CONNECTIVITY | has usb type-c | ✗ | ✓ |
bluetooth version | v5 | v5.2 | |
maximum bluetooth range | 10meters | 10meters | |
has aac | ✓ | ✓ | |
has aptx adaptive | ✗ | ✓ | |
audio latency | 144ms | ✗ | |
MICROPHONE | number of microphones | 6only | 6only |
has a noise-canceling microphone | ✓ | ✓ | |
EXTRAS | has ambient sound mode | ✗ | ✓ |
has in/on-ear detection | ✓ | ✗ | |
has find earbuds feature | ✓ | ✗ | |
supports fast charging | ✓ | ✓ | |
multipoint count | 2only | 2only | |
has a mute function | ✓ | ✓ | |
control panel placed on a device | ✓ | ✓ | |
warranty period | 1years | 3years | |
has voice prompts | ✓ | ✓ | |
travel bag is included | ✓ | ✓ | |
See price on Amazon | See price on Amazon |
IP ratings is the level of protection given by a casing, against solids and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value of the IP rating represents protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to protection against liquids (sweat).
Having a value of IPX4, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s rating for solids indicates that no data available to specify a protection rating, and the second value of 4 means that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.
In comparison to the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have a rating of IP57 meaning that
ingress of dust is not totally prevented but dust does not enter in harmful quantities to interfere with the correct operation or impair safety
and that of liquids is that,
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) has a lower liquid rating than Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a weight of 8.56g . We consider a lower weight best because lighter devices are easier to carry.
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX, at 12g
weigh more than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) with a difference of 3.44g
For a device to be true wireless it must have no cables linking any part of the device together, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are true wireless for this matter since they have no wires. This is a major difference since wireless earbuds have wires connecting the two earbuds together.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX also is true wireless because it has no cables connecting the pair of earbuds together.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are resistant to sweat
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX also have stereo speakers
Active noise cancellation utilises more advanced technology to reduce ambient sounds. ANC works when, it studies the sound pattern of incoming noise and after generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 (noise) and producing -1 (counter sound by the device) giving 0 which results in a reduced level of noise.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue since you don't need to crank up the device volume to outcompete background noise.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX too have ANC making both earbuds ideal for flights and morning commutes. Each operate with different noise cancellation settings, pick the mode that you prefer for commute or that enhances your relaxation time.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) stay well in place, creating a sound covering that tones down background noise well as preventing the device music from leaking out .
Both Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX, and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have passive noise reduction which implies that they limit ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a unit size of 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass.
A driver unit is the component that produces sound in the earbuds, its size determines the loudness of the earbuds.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX driver unit is 9.2mm in diameter,
which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1.8mm
, a common assumption that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so yeah, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not imply that they produce better quality sound.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio device generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) make sound with a juicier bass than the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well an audio component makes high human frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal on its way through.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that
both devices produce equal treble
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have neodymium magnets, if used in audio devices produce a higher sensitivity and substantial sound output while using less power. They can help produce music at quite a high sound pressure level, with the use of high magnetic flux.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge. A device's battery life is usually given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX's battery life is
more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 2 hours
. Every time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.
The battery life of the charging case is given by the manufacturer, and the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s case has a full charge of 30 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before having to recharge the case itself.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX's charging case has a battery life of 20 hours,
less than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 10 hours
It requires 0.3 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been unused for long periods.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the battery,
more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1.2 hours
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery capacity is 20mAh, battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can keep.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX's battery power is 70mAh.
more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 50mAh
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the earbuds, you just place down on a compatible charging pad.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX also support wireless charging, take note of the charging standard of the earbuds.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery. Its lights indicate the charging status of your device and case.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you determine the charging state of your device, if charged fully, or having a low battery.
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX support USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data movement between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX has a Bluetooth version of 5.2,
newer than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at the same bit rate.
Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) will work well with your MacBook. If you are planning on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX support APTX Adaptive, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps).
Latency refers to the time it takes for the audio signal to be transmitted to your earbuds. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a latency of 144ms, a lower latency reduces audio lag and is particularly important when playing games or watching videos.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have 6 microphones.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX microphones are 6,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. More microphones result in better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out noise.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are intended to reduce noise from the desired sound.
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX too use a noise-canceling type of microphone. This is useful in noisy environments.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient noises so that they can still be heard even when wearing the earbuds
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when removed from your ears so that the music is paused.
If lost in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a find earbuds feature.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging. Most often, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to fully charge the earbuds.
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just 30 minutes.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can seemlessly switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect.
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have a multipoint count of 2,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. Bluetooth multipoint comes in handy when you can be on one call without missing notifications from another connected device.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a mute function, they have the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX also support this function. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the earbuds' microphone, but still hear the other party's voice.
With the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the earbuds.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX too have a control panel on them.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a warranty period of 1 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use following instruction manuals.
If covered under the manufacturer’s warranty it is possible to get a replacement in the case of a malfunction. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX have a warranty period of 3Years,
more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 2 Years
.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX too support voice prompts .i.e the earbuds notifies you if the battery is running low, and you need to recharge them.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) come with their own special pouch. Carrying earbuds without a case, or placing them in your bag without a cover may easily put them at risk of getting damaged.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX too have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.