Wireless earbuds have become an essential tech accessory for many, providing cord-free audio on the go. Two of the most popular options on the market right now are the Amazon Echo Buds and Apple AirPods. But how exactly do these two wireless earbud heavyweights stack up?
Key Differences At A Glance
Before diving into an in-depth feature-by-feature comparison, here is a high-level overview of how the Echo Buds and AirPods differ:
- Connectivity: Echo Buds connect via Bluetooth and WiFi; AirPods use Bluetooth only
- Voice Assistant: Echo Buds offer native Alexa integration; AirPods work with Siri
- Noise Cancellation: Both buds now provide active noise cancellation, but AirPods perform better
- Audio Quality: AirPods deliver better overall sound for music and calls
- Water Resistance: AirPods are slightly more water/sweat resistant
- Battery Life: AirPods last longer on a single charge and with the charging case
- Compatibility: AirPods are optimized for iOS; Echo Buds work equally well on iOS and Android
- Price: Echo Buds retail for $119.99 vs $249 for the AirPods Pro
So in brief – those with iPhones will likely prefer AirPods, while Echo Buds make more sense for Android users. But there are plenty of other factors at play here when determining audio quality, comfort, features and overall value for money.
Keep reading our in-depth comparison below…
Detailed Side-By-Side Comparisons
Now let‘s take a deeper look at how these two wireless earbud models stack up across the categories that matter most:
Design
AirPods: Apple is known for their iconic, minimalist design and the AirPods are no exception. The all-white durable plastic earbuds feature a unique protruding arm and optical sensors that detect when they are in your ear. This allows audio to auto-pause when removing them. The AirPods snap securely into their pocketable charging case.
Echo Buds: Amazon opted for a more traditional wireless earbud design with the Echo Buds. The small black buds fit flush within the ear and appear rather nondescript. The case is slightly more bulky than the AirPods‘, but offers up to 3 extra charges.
Both earbuds weigh in at a very portable 5-6 grams each, making them comfortable for extended wear. One notable advantage of the Echo Buds is they come with removable wing and ear tips in multiple sizes to help keep them firmly in place during workouts.
Verdict: The AirPods innovative stem design is now globally recognizable, giving them the edge for style. But the Echo Buds could offer a more customizable, secure fit.
Noise Cancellation
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is an important feature to consider when shopping for wireless earbuds. Both the Echo Buds and AirPods Pro models now offer impressive active noise cancellation that helps block out ambient environmental sounds.
The Echo Buds partnered with audio leader Bose to deliver noise reduction technology that effectively cuts out things like traffic noise or chatter. AirPods Pro also do an excellent job minimizing background noise courtesy of Apple‘s H1 chip.
But third-party tests reveal the AirPods Pro block external noise better overall. The average noise cancellation depth comes in at 23dB for AirPods vs 15dB for Echo Buds. So while both deliver solid ANC, Apple wins here.
Verdict: AirPods Pro superior noise-canceling
Audio And Call Quality
When judging audio quality, AirPods again have a slight edge overall for a few reasons.
The proprietary H1 chip inside manages adaptive sound control that subtly tweaks music output based on fit and environment. AirPods also feature spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for a surround-like effect.
Audio tests assess AirPods frequency response as more balanced and neutral, producing clear mids and non-muddy bass on the whole.
Echo Buds audio is decent for the price with nice punchy bass but can distort at higher volumes.
For call quality, built-in mics work well on both models at filtering out ambient noise. But AirPods capture speech a bit more cleanly.
So while Echo Buds audio should satisfy most, audiophiles will likely prefer output from the adaptable AirPods.
Verdict: AirPods better balanced, premium sound
Battery Life
Battery performance is worth examining closely with wireless earbuds, as it determines continuous listening time before needing a recharge.
Here are the basic battery specs for both models:
AirPods Pro: Up to 4.5 hours listening time on a single charge. The charging case provides over 24 hours total listening time before needing an external power source.
Echo Buds: Up to 5 hours listening time per charge. Case provides 15 total hours.
The numbers reveal a moderate advantage for the Echo Buds when it comes to playback off a single bud charge. However, the AirPods compact charging case has more capacity, delivering almost a full extra day‘s worth of listening in reserve.
Both brands offer quick-charge support, with 5 minutes in the case providing roughly 60 minutes of play time. But AirPods gain a further edge with Qi wireless charging compatibility.
Verdict: AirPods longer total battery life
Connectivity And Setup
The Echo Buds tap into both Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi with compatible devices for seamless connectivity. This gives them strong, reliable wireless range.
They pair easily with both iOS and Android phones and sync quickly. The Alexa app guides you through initial pairing and customization.
AirPods only use Bluetooth but Apple‘s H1 chip makes that connection exceptionally fast and stable. Just open the lid next to an iPhone and they sync immediately.
Handoff capabilities also allows instant connection switching between Apple devices logged into the same iCloud account. Android pairing involves manually entering pairing mode.
If using AirPods across an ecosystem of Apple products, they deliver effortless synching. For multi-device households, Echo Buds flexibility provides an advantage.
Verdict: AirPods superior Apple device pairing; Echo Buds better cross-platform
Voice Assistant Integration
One unique feature of the Echo Buds is native access to Amazon‘s Alexa assistant. The buds have microphones that listen for Alexa commands.
You can ask Alexa questions, have it read notifications aloud, play music or podcasts, add items to your shopping list, control smart home devices and more. This allows you to keep your phone in your pocket.
The AirPods offer instant access to Siri by saying "Hey Siri". So you get similar hands-free convenience and can ask Siri to do things like adjust volume, play a specific song, call someone or get directions.
Those embedded in the Apple ecosystem will likely find Siri access more useful. But Alexa support gives Echo Buds definite appeal for managing tasks through voice.
Verdict: Useful hands-free access to chosen assistant
Price And Value
The Echo Buds retail at $119, while the AirPods Pro sells for $249 MSRP. So at the outset, Amazon‘s offering seems the better bargain.
But look closer at what that additional $130 gets you with the AirPods Pro. The audio quality stands out as superior, with Apple‘s adaptive sound and noise cancelling edge delivering a more premium listening experience.
The pocketable AirPods case also provides almost a full extra day‘s charge capacity over the Echo Buds. And the Qi wireless charging support adds convenience.
So while priced much higher, those looking for richer audio, longest battery life and simplest connectivity with Apple devices get their money‘s worth with AirPods Pro. But Echo Buds offer plenty at a bargain price point.
Verdict: AirPods justify higher cost with audio/feature set
Conclusion And Recommendation
To recap the key findings of our comparison:
- AirPods slightly lead in design, noise cancellation abilities and audio quality
- Battery life advantage goes to the AirPods when factoring in charging case capacity
- AirPods have faster, more seamless connectivity with Apple devices
- Echo Buds work equally well with both iOS and Android setups
- Hands-free access to Alexa or Siri proves useful on both models
- AirPods deliver a more premium package but at a $130 premium price
So which is the better choice ultimately?
For iPhone owners seeking a hassle-free audio experience, AirPods Pro justify their higher cost. Seamless connectivity, spatial audio and premium noise cancellation complement iOS devices perfectly.
For cross-platform flexibility at a bargain, Echo Buds hit the sweet spot. Alexa support aids hands-free use cases while audio quality covers essentials.
Hopefully this comprehensive feature comparison helps you decide whether it should be Echo Buds or AirPods for your next wireless earbuds purchase!
