Key Points
- Echo Buds have been using the Noise Reduction technology from Bose until 2021.
- AirPods Pro and AirPods 3rd Gen are water and sweat resistant but should be used for non-water sports while Echo Buds are sweat-resistant but not waterproof.
- AirPods are best suited with iOS devices, although they work with android smartphones or tablets.
- The Echo Buds 2, which were first released in September 2019, were upgraded with a number of much-needed adjustments and upgrades, such as shrinking them and enhancing the audio quality.
- AirPods come with standard wireless charging but it necessitates a Qi-certified charger.
- Echo Buds and AirPods come in 3 unique sizes of ear tips. However, the Echo Buds come with some wing tips of different sizes to offer a custom and secure fit.
There are plenty of fantastic wireless earbuds on the market right now, but how do you choose which one to buy? Both Apple and Amazon often release wireless earbuds, but they offer different features to suit different people.
To help you choose between these two impressive products, here’s our comprehensive review of the Amazon Echo Buds vs AirPods.
Echo Buds vs AirPods: Full Comparison
Apple’s AirPods and Amazon’s Echo Buds deliver functionality in attractive packages and both pack plenty of attractive features. And that is where most of their similarities end.
Simply put, Echo Buds are wireless earbuds from Amazon that connect via WiFi while AirPods are wireless earbuds from Apple that connect via Bluetooth. Read on and let’s find out which one of the two devices has the best appeal.
Echo Buds vs AirPods: Side by Side Comparison
Here’s a table that summarizes the key differences between Echo Buds vs AirPods.
| Echo Buds | AirPods | |
|---|---|---|
| What is It? | These are wireless earbuds that connect via WiFi and feature Alexa assistant | These are wireless Bluetooth earbuds designed to work seamlessly with iOS devices |
| Manufacturer | Amazon | Apple |
| Price | Cheaper ($119 – $140) | Pricey (About $250) |
| Battery Life | 3-4 hours of listening time and extra 20 hours with a charging case | 5 hours of listening time and a charging case that offers 15 to 24 extra hours |
| Weight (Grams) | 5.6 for each bud | 4 for each bud |
| Interchangeable Ear Tips | Yes | No |
| Included Charging Case | Yes | Yes |
| Special Unique Features | Alexa integration, built-in fitness tracker, customizable EQ, pass-through mode | Hey Siri voice activation, adaptive EQ, transparency mode |
| Microphones | Dual beamforming, 1 internal | Dual beamforming |
- Up to 5 hours of playback and 15 hours with the charging case.
- Active noise cancellation with pass-through.
- IPX4 sweat-resistant with a customizable fit through a variety of ear tips.
- Use Alexa to listen to Podcasts, make calls, and perform other tasks hands-free.
Echo Buds vs AirPods: What’s the Difference?
While looking at different aspects and characteristics of the two earbuds, we’ve brought out side-by-side how they may differ or may be similar.
Now, let’s take a look at how they compare across various categories that matter most when choosing an earbud pair: design, cost, battery life, connection type, sound quality, software features, phone calls, connectivity, and music playback controls.
Design
When it comes to design, both the Echo Buds and AirPods have a sleek and modern look. The AirPods do a great job of finding that ideal balance between style and utility.
The physical structure of the Echo Buds differs significantly from those of the AirPods and AirPods Pro right away. Amazon chose not to use that design in favor of retaining the earbud firmly in the ear, unlike Apple, which chose the stem descended from each earpiece that has since come to be very famous.
The Echo Buds are slightly larger than the AirPods, but they’re still very lightweight and comfortable to wear. As for color options, the Echo Buds come in black or white, while the AirPods are available in white or space gray.
Controls
Both sets also come with controls that allow you to pause or play music on your phone without having to dig it out of your pocket or bag.
In terms of voice command, these devices do compare favorably. Apple’s Siri is very clear and captures every syllable. The voice activation feature of Amazon’s Alexa is equally amazing, accurately registering and responding to queries.
The AirPods feature two dual-beamforming external-facing microphones, while the AirPods Pro adds a third inward-facing microphone for active noise cancellation (ANC).
In this aspect, the Echo Buds are comparable to the AirPods because they both have a pair of external dual beamforming microphones in addition to the internal microphone already described.
Connectivity
Echo Buds connect to your phone through Bluetooth and use Alexa to do all the heavy lifting. AirPods, on the other hand, connect to your phone through Bluetooth. In addition, AirPods can work with Siri as well as Google Assistant for those who prefer either one over Alexa or Cortana.
Besides, both earbuds have a built-in mic so you can make and receive calls without taking them out of your ear.
Sound Quality
In terms of sound quality, both the AirPods and the Echo Buds are solid options. However, the AirPods dominate in this area thanks to its adaptability and unique listening modes.
Your ears will find the AirPods to be more balanced as they produce fantastic audio when playing music, taking calls, or listening to podcasts. The AirPods have a more well-rounded sound, while the Echo Buds pack a little more bass. Both earbuds have a feature that lets outside noise in. On the AirPods, it’s called transparency mode, and passthrough mode on Echo Buds.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, the Apple AirPods win hands down. They can last for up to 5 hours of listening on a single charge, while the Echo Buds only last for about 3 to 4 hours.
Both earbuds also come with a charging case that lasts for several hours after each charge. The charging case can give the AirPods an extra 15 to 24 hours of listening, while the Echo Buds case gives you two full charges and up to 20 hours. Besides, AirPods playtime is extended to 6 hours by disabling ANC while Echo Buds can stretch to 6.5 hours.
Apple’s quick-charging technology is more effective, allowing for 1 hour of usage after just 5 minutes of charging. However, the AirPods case can only be charged when plugged into a computer or wall outlet with an extra cable included in the box for this purpose.
Noise Cancellation
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The first thing to consider when choosing between the Echo Buds and the AirPods is noise cancellation. Both Echo Buds and AirPods Pro have active noise cancellation (ANC).
This means that they both will do a better job of blocking out external noise, like the sound of a busy street or an airplane engine noise. However, ANC also means that the earbuds will use more battery power, so you may need to charge them more often. Overall, the AirPods outperforms the Echo Buds in terms of noise cancellation.
Phone Calls Sound Quality
If you’re looking for the best phone call quality, you’ll want to go with the Apple AirPods. They have superior sound quality thanks to their noise-canceling capabilities. The Echo Buds are also great for phone calls, but they don’t offer the same level of noise cancellation.
Software Features
If you have an iPhone, go with AirPods. If you have an Android phone or anything else that is not an iPhone, then Echo Buds are your best bet.
Due to the Echo Buds integration with the Alexa ecosystem, you have immediate access to a wide range of Alexa skills like music services, productivity, and management of all Echo products.
When creating the AirPods, Apple emphasizes more on software, allowing it to enhance performance. The AirPods boasts Apple’s H1 chip, which offers a variety of advantages like fast connection to iPhones and iPads, hands-free “Hey Siri” assistant activating, audio synchronization across two Apple/Beats headphones and extended call periods.
While both sets of earbuds are impressive in their own right, each set has features that make them more attractive than the other depending on what type of device they will be paired with.
Price
The AirPods have a list price of $159 while the Echo Buds cost $129.99 on Amazon.
When it comes to price, the Apple AirPods are definitely the more expensive option. However, you are paying for quality with these earbuds. They have a sleek design, great sound quality, and easy connectivity.
The Amazon Echo Buds are a more affordable option, but they don’t skimp on features. These earbuds also have a great sound quality and are sweatproof, making them great for working sessions. So, which pair of earbuds are worth your money?
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes the music to your ears
Echo Buds vs AirPods: Which is Better?
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So, which one should you consider? It all depends on the specifications you’re looking for.
If money were no object, AirPods certainly take the day. The Echo Buds are less expensive than the AirPods hence if you prefer a cheaper option, Echo Buds are a clear winner. The key difference between these two is how they connect to your phone: AirPods use Bluetooth while Echo Buds use Wi-Fi technology.
If a strong signal isn’t a priority for you, then the more affordable option is Apple AirPods. But if your goal is crystal clear connections with better range, then Echo Buds will be worth the investment.
When comparing Echo Buds vs AirPods, Airpods is the overall better option for most users. Overall, Airpods take the day because of their great sound quality, and extended battery life. Additionally, Apple’s ANC innovation is top-notch, and the combination of spatial audio and dynamic EQ helps to provide captivating sound.
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