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Apple In-ear Headphones with Remote and Mic Comparison |
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• Apple headphones look better.
• Shure SE115s did slightly better on our audio quality tests.
• Shure SE115s isolate far, far better.
• Apple headphones fall out more.
• Both headphones cost about the same. |
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Sennheiser MM 50 iP Comparison |
Page 9 of 12 |
Sennheiser CX 300-II Comparison |
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Design
Like the MM 50 iP match-up, the SE115s lose on aesthetics, but win on durability. The Apple headphones will break all day and night, but they look clean and well-designed. At some point Apple will fix their terrible plug design, but until then, prepare to head to the Apple store every few months to get these things replaced.
Sound Quality
While both headphoens have a similar issue towards the high end, the Apple headphones' problem is slightly less severe due to the more gradual slope leading up to it.
The Shure SE115s win this area, for having less overall distortion and also for having less noticeable distortion. Interestingly enough, the Apple's distortion plateau seems like it occurs between the two bumps of the SE115s.
The Apple headphones have an absurd tracking result. They will continue to dominate this comparison category for many reviews to come, we're sure.
Isolation
The SE115s are awesome at isolating users, while the Apple In-ears are significantly less awesome.
Comfort
Here you can see the difference between the SE115s' unorthodox design and the status quo of Apple. The Shure SE115s, despite any issues you might have with them, are far more comfortable than the Apple headphones. They will not pop out easily.
| Wear |
SE115 |
Apple In-ear Headphones with Remote and Mic |
Verdict
This is an easy win for the SE115s. They cost less than the Apple headphones and are better in just about every category. The only demographic that will favor the Apple headphones are those who don't want to have to buy the SE115s optional remote and mic accessory.
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