Home Wireless Earbuds Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Vs. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Ex

A Review By Comparison of the Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Vs. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Ex

Last updated on Apr 12, 2023   8 minute read
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Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

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Reasons why you might like the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Overall Score 6.8 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 6 hours
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
VS
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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Reasons why you might like the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

Overall Score 6.6 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IP57
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 8 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

A summary of the review by feature comparison

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
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A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ipX4
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX ip57

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

Weight

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 8.56g
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 12g

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

Has No Wires Or Cables

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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.

Sweat Resistance

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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

Has Stereo Speakers

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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.

Driver Unit Size

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 11mm
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 9.2mm

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.

Lowest Frequency

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 10hz
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 20hz

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

Highest Frequency

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 20,000hz
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 20,000hz

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

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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.

Power

Battery Life

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 6hours
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 8hours

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.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 30hours
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 20hours

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

Charge Time

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 0.3hours
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 1.5hours

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

Battery Power

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 20mah
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 70mah

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

Has Wireless Charging

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX support USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.

Bluetooth Version

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) v5
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX v5.2

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.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 10meters
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 10meters

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)

Has Aac

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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.

Has Aptx Adaptive

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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).

Audio Latency

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 144ms
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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.

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 6only
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 6only

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.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

If lost in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a find earbuds feature.

Supports Fast Charging

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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.

Multipoint Count

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 2only
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 2only

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.

Has A Mute Function

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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.

Warranty Period

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 1years
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX 3years

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 .

Has Voice Prompts

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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.

Travel Bag Is Included

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

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.

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