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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and a wide soundstage for an immersive experience in music and prefer an open-back design, the AKG K712 Pro headphones would be a better choice, though they are not portable and not ideal for use during exercise or travel. In contrast, Apple Earpods are more budget-friendly, offer good microphone quality for calls and meetings, have a more compact design for portability, and work well for general use, but they may not match the AKG's music quality and they lack features like active noise cancelling and app equalizer customization. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the AKG K712 Pro
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Apple Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Gaming
7.0
8.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the AKG K712 Pro is good.
Phone Calls
4.9
8.0
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the AKG K712 Pro is poor.
TV and Video
8.4
7.4
The AKG K712 Pro is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Cost
$270
$18
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The AKG K712 Pro has a price of $270 and the Apple Earpods costs $18.
Build Quality
8.5
7.6
The AKG K712 Pro has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.7
7.8
The Apple Earpods and AKG K712 Pro are both good for music.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8
7.4
The AKG K712 Pro and Apple Earpods are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The AKG K712 Pro and Apple Earpods are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the AKG K712 Pro and the Apple Earpods compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K712 Pro | Apple Earpods |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$270 | $18 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2013 | September 1, 2012 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 4.1/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8.3/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 235 Grams | 6.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | In-Line | |
Shopping
AKG K712 Pro
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Headfonics
Michael | October 2013
"AKG has created a mini-masterpiece in my opinion. I enjoy this headphone a great deal and it will become my go-to reference headphone for the time being. She is slick, sexy, well-balanced, and crazy comfortable."
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
Get a great deal on the AKG K712 Pro or the Apple Earpods
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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