Airpods First vs Second Generation: Which Should You Buy?
Are you in the market for a pair of truly wireless earbuds and torn between the original and the upgraded? The Apple AirPods have revolutionized the way we listen to music and take calls. But with the release of the second generation, the question arises: is the upgrade worth it?
This in-depth comparison of the AirPods first vs second generation will help you decide. We’ll dive into the key differences, from sound quality and battery life to features and overall value. Get ready to discover which AirPods model best suits your needs and budget.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or considering an upgrade, understanding the nuances between the AirPods 1 and AirPods 2 is crucial. We’ll break down everything you need to know, so you can make an informed decision and enjoy your music to the fullest.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | AirPods (1st Gen) | AirPods (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | W1 | H1 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Charging Case Options | Standard, Wireless Charging | Standard, Wireless Charging |
| “Hey Siri” Support | No | Yes |
| Audio Quality | Good | Improved |
| Call Quality | Good | Improved |
| Battery Life (per charge) | 5 hours | 5 hours |
| Total Battery Life (with case) | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Wireless Charging Case | Optional | Optional |
| Weight (per AirPod) | 4 grams | 4 grams |
| Water Resistance | No | No |
| Release Date | December 2016 | March 2019 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Chipset
- Airpods First: Features the Apple W1 chip. This chip provided a seamless pairing experience with Apple devices and decent battery efficiency, but lacked advanced features. The W1 chip’s age is a downside compared to newer chipsets.
- Second Generation: Upgraded to the Apple H1 chip. The H1 chip delivers faster pairing, improved connection stability, and hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality. It also enables better call quality and reduced latency.
- Winner: Second Gen
Wireless Charging Case
- Airpods First: Available with a standard charging case, but did not offer wireless charging. Users had to rely on the Lightning port for charging. This is a clear disadvantage compared to more modern options.
- Second Generation: Available with an optional wireless charging case. This allows for convenient charging on Qi-compatible charging pads, adding to the overall user experience. The wireless charging case is a significant upgrade in convenience.
- Winner: Second Gen
“Hey Siri” Support
- Airpods First: Did not support hands-free “Hey Siri” activation. Users had to double-tap an AirPod to activate Siri. This is less convenient compared to voice activation.
- Second Generation: Introduced hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality. Users can simply say “Hey Siri” to activate the voice assistant, improving ease of use.
- Winner: Second Gen
Talk Time
- Airpods First: Offered up to 2 hours of talk time on a single charge. The charging case provided additional charges, extending the overall talk time. Talk time was adequate for the time.
- Second Generation: Provides up to 3 hours of talk time on a single charge, an improvement over the first generation. The charging case provides multiple additional charges.
- Winner: Second Gen
Audio Quality
- Airpods First: Provided good audio quality for its time, with clear vocals and balanced sound. However, the audio quality isn’t as detailed or refined as newer models.
- Second Generation: Offers similar audio quality to the first generation. While not a major upgrade, audio clarity and balance remain consistent.
- Winner: Tie
Connection Stability
- Airpods First: Offered generally stable Bluetooth connectivity but could experience occasional dropouts or disconnections.
- Second Generation: The H1 chip improves connection stability, reducing dropouts and providing a more reliable listening experience.
- Winner: Second Gen
Price
- Airpods First: Originally launched at a lower price point. Now often available at discounted prices on the used or refurbished market.
- Second Generation: Had a higher original price point, but is now more affordable.
- Winner: Tie (depending on current market prices and condition)
Switching Between Devices
- Airpods First: Switching between devices could be a bit cumbersome, as it relied on manually selecting the AirPods in Bluetooth settings.
- Second Generation: The H1 chip provides faster and more seamless switching between Apple devices, enhancing the user experience.
- Winner: Second Gen
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Chip | AirPods (2nd Gen) |
| “Hey Siri” | AirPods (2nd Gen) |
| Call Quality | AirPods (2nd Gen) |
| Bluetooth | AirPods (2nd Gen) |
| Value | AirPods (1st Gen) |
What They Have in Common:
- Design: Both generations share the same iconic white, stem-based design, making them easily recognizable.
- Ease of Use: Both AirPods generations offer seamless pairing with Apple devices and easy controls via double-tap gestures.
- Battery Life: Both AirPods provide approximately 5 hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 24 hours with the charging case.
- Comfort: The lightweight design and ergonomic fit are consistent across both generations, offering comfortable wear for most users.
- Integration: Both AirPods seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem, including automatic switching between devices and easy access to Siri.
- Charging Case: Both models offer a charging case to house the AirPods when not in use, which also charges the earbuds.
AirPods First vs Second Generation Buying Guide
Battery Life
Both the first and second-generation AirPods offer a decent battery life for everyday use. The first-generation AirPods provide up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge and 24 hours with the charging case. The second-generation AirPods also offer 5 hours of listening time, but they provide up to 24 hours with the standard charging case or up to 24 hours with the wireless charging case. The battery life is similar, but the second generation may offer more convenience for charging.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of both generations is generally considered good for casual listening. The first-generation AirPods deliver a balanced sound with clear highs and decent bass. The second-generation AirPods offer a similar sound profile but may have slight improvements in clarity and bass response due to internal updates. Neither generation is audiophile-grade, but they provide a pleasant listening experience for music, podcasts, and calls. Subtle improvements exist in the second generation.
Design and Comfort
Both generations share the same iconic design, featuring a lightweight and comfortable fit for most users. Some users find the in-ear design of both generations comfortable, while others may experience discomfort after extended use. The stemmed design is identical, so the fit and feel will be very similar. Personal preference plays a significant role in determining comfort levels, so trying them on is recommended.
Features and Functionality
The second-generation AirPods introduce several enhancements compared to the first generation. The H1 chip in the second-generation AirPods enables faster pairing, quicker device switching, and hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality. The first generation relies on the W1 chip, which is slower. The second generation also offers improved call quality. These features make for a more seamless and user-friendly experience.
Price and Value
The price of the AirPods is an important factor to consider. The first-generation AirPods are typically available at a lower price point, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. The second-generation AirPods are priced slightly higher due to the improved features and performance. Consider your budget and the importance of the added features when making your decision. Both models offer good value for their respective price points.
Call Quality
Call quality is an important aspect of any wireless earbuds. The second-generation AirPods have improved call quality due to the H1 chip, which enhances the clarity of your voice during calls. The first-generation AirPods offer decent call quality, but the second generation generally provides a more reliable and clearer calling experience, especially in noisy environments. This is a significant improvement for users who frequently take calls.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy AirPods (1st Gen) If…
- You’re on a tight budget and want the AirPods experience at a lower price.
- You don’t need the latest features like “Hey Siri” activation.
- You primarily use AirPods for casual listening and don’t prioritize call quality.
Buy AirPods (2nd Gen) If…
- You want improved performance, including faster pairing and switching with the H1 chip.
- You frequently use Siri and appreciate the hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality.
- You desire better call quality and a more stable Bluetooth connection.
- You want the latest AirPods model with potential future software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between AirPods 1st and 2nd generation?
The primary differences lie in the chip and features. The 2nd generation AirPods have the H1 chip, enabling faster pairing, “Hey Siri” voice activation, and improved call quality. The first generation uses the W1 chip. Call quality is noticeably better in the second generation, making it the better choice for calls. There are also slight improvements to sound and connectivity.
Do both generations of AirPods have noise cancellation?
No, neither the first nor second generation of AirPods includes active noise cancellation (ANC). Both models rely on passive noise isolation, which means they block out some external sounds by physically fitting into your ear. For active noise cancellation, you would need to consider AirPods Pro.
Can I use the first and second-generation AirPods with my iPhone?
Yes, both the first and second-generation AirPods are compatible with iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches running iOS 10 or later. They also work with Apple Watches running watchOS 3 or later and Macs running macOS Sierra or later. Compatibility is not an issue with either model, making them accessible to a broad user base.
How long does it take to charge the AirPods?
Charging time varies slightly. For both generations, it takes approximately 15 minutes in the charging case to provide up to 3 hours of listening time. Fully charging the charging case itself takes about an hour, depending on the charging method (Lightning cable or wireless charging). The second generation offers fast charging capabilities.
Are the charging cases interchangeable?
Yes, the AirPods charging cases are interchangeable, but with some caveats. The first-generation AirPods can be used with the second-generation charging case, and vice versa. However, the second-generation charging case has the option for wireless charging, which the first-generation case does not support. The second-generation case is a more versatile option.
How do I check the battery life of my AirPods?
You can check the battery life of your AirPods in several ways. The easiest is to open the case near your iPhone or iPad; a pop-up will display the battery levels of the AirPods and the charging case. You can also check the battery levels in the Battery widget on your iPhone’s home screen. The iPhone will display the battery of each AirPod.
Which generation is better for phone calls?
The second-generation AirPods are better for phone calls. The H1 chip in the second-generation AirPods provides improved call quality and clarity. The first-generation AirPods provide adequate call quality, but the second generation offer a generally clearer and more reliable calling experience. The improvements are most noticeable in noisy environments.
Final Verdict
While both generations offer a good listening experience, the second-generation AirPods provide several notable improvements. The faster pairing, “Hey Siri” support, and enhanced call quality of the second generation make it the better overall choice, despite a slightly higher price. The first-generation AirPods remain a viable option for budget-conscious consumers.
Winner: AirPods Second Generation