Second-generation AirPods (also referred to as AirPods 2) feature some upgrades over AirPods 1, which were a huge success for Apple. The eagerly anticipated arrival of AirPods 2 begs the question, “What’s the difference between AirPods 1 and AirPods 2?”.
In actual fact, the difference between AirPods 1 and 2 is very minimal. In some cases, they are not different at all, e.g., the color and style. With a long-awaited upgrade from their launch back in 2016, AirPods 2 are here! Read on for our breakdown of how you can tell the difference between AirPods 1 and 2.
How to Tell the Difference Between AirPods 1 and 2 Design
Apple is all about their iconic look; their slick, clean white design has been a staple part of their brand for a long time, and that’s not about to change.
If the AirPods 1 design put you off buying them the first time around, I hate to break it to you, but there’s no telling AirPods 2 apart from AirPods 1. They even have the exact same fit in your ear, unlike the AirPods Pro interchangeable tips.
On the face of it, there’s no difference between AirPods 1 and 2, so should you consider upgrading at the same price as the first-gen product?
Wireless Charging Case
If you already have the first-generation AirPods, but you want to join the wireless charging trend, you’ll be pleased to know you won’t have to buy a new pair of AirPods.
At the time of writing, the wireless charging case for AirPods is $79 via the Apple website. It enables you to place your AirPods in the case and allow them to charge via the Qi-compatible charging mat or the lightning connector.
However, if you plan to upgrade to AirPods 2 at some point, it’s probably worth investing in AirPods 2 with a wireless charging case as you’ll save around $40 as opposed to purchasing the wireless charging case later down the line.
Battery Life
| AirPods 1 | AirPods 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Talk Time | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Music Time | 5 hours | 5 hours |
| Listening Time | 24 hours | 24 hours |
One of the big differences between AirPods 1 and 2 is the battery life. Users can now enjoy five hours of listening time on one charge as well as 24+ hours of listening time with the charging case. In reality, this should be enough to last around a week between case charging.
AirPods 2 can offer two hours of talk time from a mere 15 minutes of case charging. While that sounds impressive, AirPods 1 offered exactly the same, so not much of an upgrade here.
Efficiency
Although there’s not much difference between AirPods 1 and 2 in terms of battery life, AirPods 2 does deliver some significant changes in performance and efficiency, which is very much welcomed.
The new H1 chip allows AirPods 2 to pair faster, switch devices faster, and increases talk time by 50%. AirPods 2 also offers 30% lower latency, which is ideal for gamers who rely on this kind of performance.
AirPods 2 is also voice-activated, which means you can say “Hey, Siri” to make calls, ask questions, request directions, switch songs, etc. AirPods 1 did have the ability to activate Siri, but this required the user to double-tap on either one of the earphones.
Processor
One of the main technical feature differences between AirPods 1 and 2 is the processor. AirPods 1 used the W1 chip, whereas AirPods 2 uses the H1 chipset. H1 can deliver a more stable and faster wireless connection to other devices like iPhones, though AirPods 1 didn’t exactly have much trouble in this area.
The H1 chipset is also able to connect calls up to 1.5-times faster than the W1 chip, with faster connectivity, lower latency, and Siri support.
Sound Quality
It’s quite clear that Apple has designed AirPods for efficiency, and AirPods 2 is certainly a step up. However, it’s disappointing to learn there have been no sound quality improvements to AirPods 2.
Although AirPods have delivered adequate audio for their purpose, it would have been nice to see a change in this area, considering the differences between AirPods 1 and 2 have been fairly thin on the ground overall.
Price
When AirPods 1 hit the market, things were simple. They were advertised with a $159 price tag, and that was that.
AirPods 2 have shaken things up a little, offering multiple options:
- AirPods 2 with wireless charging case ($199)
- AirPods 2 with charging case ($159)
- Wireless charging case ($79)
Customers now have the chance to buy AirPods 2 with the wireless charging case for $199, saving them $40 compared to buying the wireless charging case separately. This also means that consumers who already have the first generation AirPods can buy the wireless charging case and use any Qi-compatible charging mat or lightning port to charge their AirPods.
As is the case with most Apple products, AirPods 1 is no longer available to purchase from the Apple website or Apple Stores. Still, you may be able to find them cheaper through other retailers now that AirPods 2 has been out for some time, or you could seek an AirPods alternative.
AirPods 1 vs. AirPods 2 Comparison Chart
| AirPods 1 | AirPods 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | W1 Chipset | H1 Chipset |
| Siri | Double-tap either earphone to wake up Siri and talk to it | Voice activation by saying, “Hey, Siri.” |
| Latency | Gaming latency can cause lag at times | Up to 30% lower latency in comparison to AirPods 1 |
| Battery Life | Talk time is less than AirPods 2 | Talk time increased by 50% |
| Charging Case | $79 when purchased separately | $40 when purchased with AirPods 2 |
Should You Upgrade to AirPods 2?
In terms of design and aesthetics, there’s not much difference between AirPods 1 and 2. If you were to look at both of them side by side, you wouldn’t be able to identify which were AirPods 1 and which were AirPods 2. If you’re still happy with your AirPods 1, it’s probably not worth upgrading to AirPods 2, but an investment into a wireless charging case could make your life a little easier.
However, aside from looks, there are a few significant differences between AirPods 1 and 2 that make the investment in upgrading to the second generation worthwhile. The new H1 chipset delivers higher performance in terms of a more stable connection and offers up to 30% lower latency for gamers.
If you already have AirPods 1 and are tempted by the new wireless charging case, it’s more cost-efficient to upgrade to AirPods 2 with the wireless charging case, as you’ll save money and have the latest technology at your fingertips (or in your ears).
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