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.

Shure SE115	Apple In-ear Headphones with Remote & Mic

Frequency Response

While both headphones 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.

Shure SE115	Apple In-ear Headphones with Remote & Mic

Distortion

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.

Shure SE115	Apple In-ear Headphones with Remote & Mic

Tracking

The Apple headphones have an absurd tracking result. They will continue to dominate this comparison category for many reviews to come, we’re sure.

Shure SE115	Apple In-ear Headphones with Remote & Mic

Isolation

The SE115s are awesome at isolating users, while the Apple In-ears are significantly less awesome.

Shure SE115	Apple In-ear Headphones with Remote & Mic

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
Shure SE115	Apple In-ear Headphones with Remote & 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.