True Wireless
Apple AirPods (1st generation)
Not yet scored
$100
Full review dataApple AirPods (1st generation) vs Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C): which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Apple AirPods (1st generation) vs Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C), side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
True Wireless
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
84Great
$120
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Apple AirPods (1st generation)
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery7.5
Calls8.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods (1st generation) | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $100 | $120 |
| HearWiki score | Not scored | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2016 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 11 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | - | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | - | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 100 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.3 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5 h | - |
| Battery incl. case | 24 h | 30 h |
| Full charge time | 15 min | - |
| Quick charge | 15 min = 3 h | - |
| Wireless charging | - | Yes |
| Features | ||
| ANC type | - | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Companion app | - | Yes |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | Yes |
| Controls | both | both |
| Voice assistant | Siri | Siri |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 4 g | 10.6 g |
| Case weight | 38 g | 50.8 g |
| Water resistance | none | IP54 |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | No | No |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
What reviewers said
Apple AirPods (1st generation)
These are Apple's original truly wireless earbuds, built around the W1 chip for seamless pairing and automatic device switching. They offer a comfortable, universal fit with simple tap controls, and the charging case extends total playback to a full day, though they lack any form of noise cancellation or water resistance. Battery life per charge is modest at five hours, but the quick-charge feature provides a useful boost when you're in a hurry.
- Pro:Effortless pairing and reliable connection with Apple devices
- Pro:Compact, lightweight design that sits comfortably in most ears
- Pro:Quick charge gives 3 hours of playback from a 15-minute top-up
- Con:No active noise cancellation or water resistance
- Con:Battery life per charge is limited to 5 hours
- Con:Charging case uses a Lightning port, not USB-C
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
These wireless earbuds deliver strong active noise cancellation and a natural-sounding transparency mode, making them a solid pick for Apple users. With around 6 hours of playback per charge and a case that boosts total listening time to 30 hours, they offer dependable daily use. The IP54 rating adds some protection against sweat and splashes, while Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection for most devices.
- Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
- Pro:Natural transparency mode for ambient awareness
- Pro:Decent battery life with case
- Con:No multipoint connection
- Con:Limited to AAC codec
- Con:No custom EQ in app
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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