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Apple AirPods (1st generation) vs Cambridge Audio Melomania A100: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Apple AirPods (1st generation) vs Cambridge Audio Melomania A100, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 leads on 7 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods (1st generation)
  • Cambridge Audio Melomania A100
HearWiki score
-
86
Sound
-
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
7.8
Battery
-
8.5
Calls
-
8.0
Value
-
9.6
Price (USD)
$100
$99

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 (2025) against Apple AirPods (1st generation) (2016). The Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C and Water resistance (IPX5).

  • AirPods (1st generation)2016
  • Melomania A10020259 yr newer
What differsAirPods (1st generation)Melomania A100

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes
Water resistance
Not rated
IPX5

Level on: Multipoint pairing.

Specifications

AirPods (1st generation)Melomania A100
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$100
$99
HearWiki score
Not scored
86
Released
2016
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
dynamic
10 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
-
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
-
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
-
25 Ω
Bluetooth
-
5.4
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Battery life
5 h
11 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
6.5 h
Battery incl. case
24 h
39 h
Full charge time
15 min
66 min
Quick charge
15 min → 3 h
10 min → 3.2 h
Wireless charging
-
Yes
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
-
adaptive
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
both
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
Google Assistant, Siri
Weight
4 g
9.4 g
Case weight
38 g
38.7 g
Water resistance
none
IPX5
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Pad material
-
silicone
Microphones
-
6
Call noise reduction
-
Yes

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods (1st generation)

These first-generation Apple AirPods are true wireless earbuds that rely on the W1 chip for effortless pairing and automatic device switching. They deliver around five hours of playback per charge, extendable to 24 hours with the included case, and support quick Siri activation via double-tap. While they lack noise cancellation and water resistance, they offer reliable multipoint connectivity and a lightweight, comfortable fit.

  • Pro:Effortless pairing and automatic switching between devices
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
  • Pro:Quick charging provides 3 hours of playback in 15 minutes
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No water or sweat resistance
  • Con:Micro-USB charging only (no USB-C)

Cambridge Audio Melomania A100

The Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 are true wireless earbuds that deliver a versatile feature set at a mid-range price. They combine adaptive active noise cancellation with high-resolution wireless audio support, including LDAC and aptX Lossless, along with a comfortable, water-resistant design. With a lengthy total battery life and convenient extras like wireless charging and multipoint, they aim to be a well-rounded daily companion.

  • Pro:Excellent codec support including LDAC and aptX Lossless
  • Pro:Adaptive ANC and transparency mode for flexible listening
  • Pro:Long total battery life with wireless charging case
  • Con:Battery life drops significantly with ANC enabled
  • Con:Touch controls may take time to master
  • Con:No mention of ear tips or fit accessories in specs

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonApple AirPods (1st generation)Cambridge Audio Melomania A100