Apple EarPods (Lightning Connector) vs Sony MDR-EX155AP Full Comparison Blog Review

Apple EarPods (Lightning Connector) vs Sony MDR-EX155AP - Full Comparison Review

If you’re choosing between Apple’s wired EarPods with Lightning Connector and Sony’s MDR-EX155AP L-shape wired earphones, you’re weighing two very different philosophies: Apple’s plug-and-play convenience for iPhone users vs Sony’s long-running budget audio craft. Below is a clear, friendly, point-by-point comparison so you can decide which fits your needs.

Quick verdict

• Choose Apple EarPods (Lightning) if you want effortless compatibility with modern iPhones (no adapter), simple controls, and a reliable everyday earbud that “just works” for calls, podcasts and casual listening.
  
• Choose Sony MDR-EX155AP if you want slightly better sound clarity and isolation, a snuger in-ear fit, a durable L-angle plug and a traditional 3.5mm connection (works with non-Apple phones and older iPhones via adapter).

Who are these made for?

• Apple EarPods (Lightning) - iPhone users who prefer wired audio without dongles; people who value convenience, phone control, and consistent voice-call quality. Great as a backup earphone or for travel.
  
• Sony MDR-EX155AP - users who want better passive isolation and a more “ear-in” listening experience, plus anyone using phones, tablets or devices with a 3.5mm jack. Good for commuters, students and budget-minded listeners.

Design & build

Apple EarPods (Lightning)

• Distinct rounded plastic housing with an open-ear design - rests just outside the ear canal rather than sealing it.
  
• Single-piece molded housing - lightweight, splash resistant to some degree but not IP-rated.
  
• Lightning connector replaces the 3.5mm jack: short, rigid connector that plugs directly into modern iPhones/iPads (no adapter required).
  
• Inline remote on the cable: play/pause/skip and volume rocker, plus built-in mic for calls and Siri.
  

Sony MDR-EX155AP

• Classic in-ear silicone tip design (insertable) - better passive seal and isolation.
  
• Metal or metal-accented housings on many color variants; angled nozzle for more ergonomic fit.
  
• L-shaped 3.5mm plug - more robust in pockets and minimizes strain on the cable when device is placed on a surface.
  
• Inline microphone and single multifunction button for calls/playback (some variants have volume on the device side depending on market).
  

Verdict: Sony wins on ergonomic in-ear design and a rugged L-plug; Apple wins on neat, simple Lightning integration and Apple-native controls.

Comfort & fit

Apple EarPods

• Open design sits in the ear concha rather than sealing the ear canal - this makes them comfortable for many users who dislike in-ear tips.
  
• Because they don’t seal, they’re less fatiguing for long sessions at moderate volume - good for people who dislike the “plugged” feeling.
  

Sony MDR-EX155AP

• Silicone tips come in multiple sizes - you can choose a seal that isolates sound and gives better bass response.
  
• The in-ear seal can feel intrusive to some, but it improves isolation and perceived audio fidelity.
  
• L-angle plug and angled nozzle improve stability during movement.
  

Verdict: Comfort is subjective - choose Apple for open, relaxed fit; Sony for a sealed, immersive fit (and better passive isolation).

Sound quality & tuning

Apple EarPods (Lightning)

• Tuning tends to be mid-focused with clear vocals because of the open-ear design; bass is present but not dominant.
  
• Soundstage is airy because sound isn’t tightly sealed - good for podcasts and vocals, less so for bass-heavy tracks.
  
• Overall: balanced, safe, designed to be pleasant at lower volumes and across many genres.
  

Sony MDR-EX155AP

• Because of the in-ear seal and dynamic drivers, these typically deliver tighter bass and more pronounced midrange detail than Apple’s EarPods.
  
• Better isolation leads to perceived stronger lows and clearer highs at similar volumes.
  
• Overall: more “musical” for listeners who want fuller sound on a modest budget.
  

Verdict: Sony generally offers better sound fidelity and bass impact; Apple provides comfortable, consistent sound that’s tuned for clarity and speech.

Isolation & noise handling

• Apple EarPods - passive isolation is limited due to open design; ambient noise leaks in. That means you often need higher volume on noisy commutes.
  
• Sony MDR-EX155AP - silicone tips create a seal, significantly reducing background noise and improving listening quality in public transport or cafes.
  

Verdict: Sony is better for noisy environments; Apple is fine for quiet rooms or when you want environmental awareness.

Microphone & call quality

Apple EarPods (Lightning)

• Built for iPhone voice quality and Siri - microphone and remote integrate tightly with iOS.
  
• Clear voice pickup in typical environments; inline controls support Siri activation and reliable call controls.
  
• Lightning connection allows digital audio path (microphone directly handled by device, often producing consistent clarity).
  

Sony MDR-EX155AP

• Good mic performance for voice calls; works with most smartphones with a 3.5mm jack.
  
• Microphone quality is decent but occasionally slightly less consistent than Apple’s digital Lightning mic, especially when using adapters on newer iPhones.
  

Verdict: Apple has the edge for iPhone users due to native digital mic integration and consistent Apple-grade controls; Sony is fine across devices but may vary slightly by phone.

Compatibility & connectivity

• Apple EarPods (Lightning) - Requires a device with a Lightning port (modern iPhone/iPad). Not natively compatible with 3.5mm jacks or Android phones unless you use adapters or USB-C to Lightning (rare).
  
• Sony MDR-EX155AP - Uses a universal 3.5mm jack - compatible with most phones, laptops, audio players and TVs that have a headphone socket. Works with USB-C/Lightning devices using appropriate adapters (audio quality may depend on the adapter’s DAC).
  

Verdict: Sony is more universally compatible; Apple is the obvious choice for iPhone/iPad owners who prefer no adapters.

Durability & build quality

• Apple EarPods - molded plastic cable and connector; reliable daily but cable can fray over time with rough handling. The Lightning connector is sturdy but the single-piece cable means once damaged it’s hard to repair.
  
• Sony MDR-EX155AP - often built with reinforced strain relief and a sturdier L-plug. Many users find Sony’s cables and tips last longer under daily stress.
  

Verdict: Sony typically offers better perceived durability thanks to the L-plug and replaceable tips; Apple’s simple design is durable for typical daily use.

Portability & Extras

• Both are extremely portable and lightweight.
  
• Apple’s Lightning version eliminates the need to carry a separate adapter if you have newer iPhones.
  
• Sony’s replaceable ear tips mean you can refresh comfort and hygiene over time.
  

Verdict: Tie - convenience vs maintainability.

Price & value

• Apple EarPods (Lightning) - Rs. 2,000 are often bundled with Apple devices in some regions, or sold cheaply as OEM accessories - price is reasonable for Apple hardware and integration.
  
• Sony MDR-EX155AP - Rs. 1,100 is historically a budget favorite, often priced lower than many branded earbuds while offering better sealed sound and good materials.
  

Verdict: Sony offers more audible value for pure sound per rupee; Apple offers ecosystem value for iPhone users.

Who should pick which?

Pick Apple EarPods (Lightning) if you:

• Use a modern iPhone or iPad with Lightning and want a no-adapter wired solution.
  
• Prefer an open, comfortable fit and quick Siri/voice controls.
  
• Need a reliable pair for calls, podcasts and casual listening while travelling light.
  

Pick Sony MDR-EX155AP if you:

• Want better passive isolation and fuller sound, especially bass, for music.
  
• Use devices with a 3.5mm jack (or have good adapters for USB-C/Lightning).
  
• Value a sturdier plug (L-angle) and replaceable ear tips.

Pros & Cons - quick table

Final verdict 

If you own a recent iPhone and want a fuss-free wired earphone with tight system integration and comfortable fit, Apple EarPods (Lightning) are the practical choice. If your priority is sound quality, passive isolation, durability and cross-device compatibility, the Sony MDR-EX155AP delivers more musical value and ruggedness for a similar budget.

Quick buying checklist 

1. Use iPhone Lightning port and want built-in controls - get Apple EarPods (Lightning).
   
2. Want better bass, isolation, and a stronger L-plug - get Sony MDR-EX155AP.
   
3. If you need both, buy Sony and carry a high-quality Lightning/USB-C DAC adapter for modern phones.

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This content was last updated on 06/12/2025.