Music playback
EarPods can play/pause music and control volume via physical controls on the wires.
AirPods can play/pause music and control volume by double-tapping one of the two AirPods. But that’s just an optional setting: By default, AirPods can’t play/pause or change volume unless you activate Siri, which then pauses your music (ugh) so you can issue your command. No thanks.
Winner: EarPods
Power
EarPods require no power, just an available headphone jack to work (or Lightning port, if you own an iPhone 7).
AirPods last about five hours, and come with a carrying case that will give you up to 24 additional hours of listening time.
Winner: EarPods
What happens if you lose it
If you lose EarPods, you’ll have to buy another pair for $30.
If you lose AirPods, Apple says you’ll have to buy a new pair, “just like any other Apple product.” Rumor has it Apple might offer a way for people to buy just one AirPod, in case one is lost or stolen, but we've heard no official details yet. Still, we'd expect the replacement price of one AirPod will cost more than a $30 pair of EarPods.
Winner: EarPods
