Which Apple headset is better, the AirPods 2 or AirPods 1?

AirPods headphones are one of the best products Apple has released in recent years. Its intuitive experience won over fans around the world and silenced critics who derided its quirky design. But AirPods were released in 2016, and since then it hasn't had an update until last year.

The AirPods 2 might surprise you even more, but will it be enough for you to opt for it over the first model? That's what we're going to check out here, what Apple has and hasn't changed in its Airpods.

What is the difference between AirPods 2 and AirPods 1?

similar design

Released in 2016, the AirPods 1 look just like the second-gen models on the outside. They also have exactly the same fit, unlike the in-ear design of the AirPods Pro.

Due to their open design, the AirPods 1 and AirPods 2 let some external noise through. This means you may need to turn up the volume to listen to music, calls or podcasts when you are in a noisy environment. On the other hand, if you use them to run on the street, you can be aware of what is happening in the environment.

AirPods 2: Better Siri Connection

The second-generation AirPods offer some incremental upgrades, including the option to buy them with a wireless charging case. They also have Apple's H1 chip update, which promises a faster connection.

You'll also be able to call Siri using your voice, instead of needing to tap the AirPod, as with the first-gen headset. That means you can adjust the volume or make a call hands-free.

Like the AirPods 1, the latest equipment has sensors that know when the earbuds are in your ear. The music sounds similar on both models, although Apple claims the AirPods 2 has a bespoke audio architecture, offering better quality sound thanks to the new H1 chip, which we'll cover in the next topic.

The processor of the new AirPods is better

Apple's second-generation AirPods use a new chip called the H1, while the original AirPods use the W1 chip.

Both chips are responsible for the ongoing pairing process of the headphones, but Apple claims the H1 allows the new PAirPods‌ to connect to calls up to 1,5 times faster, and generally provide a more stable wireless connection to devices like iPhones and iPads. Switching between devices is up to twice as fast as its predecessor.

Additionally, the H1 chip offers up to 30% lower latency, which means you should experience less lag between on-screen events and audio when gaming.

battery life

Apple's new AirPods‌ headset offers the same overall battery life as the AirPods 1, which lasts for 5 hours on a single charge and over 24 hours of additional capacity in the charging case. According to Apple, the second generation AirPods offer 50% more talk time due to the H1 chip.

In other words, the new "AirPods" get up to three hours of talk time per charge, compared to two hours with the previous generation. So it's something to think about if you use them to answer a lot of calls.

charging case

Probably the best news about the AirPods 2 is the new wireless charging case, which is a worthwhile upgrade considering you can charge your AirPods simply by placing them on a wireless charger.

The new AirPods come with a wireless charging case, which costs an additional $40 on top of the AirPods cost. Just place the AirPods on the charging cradle and you're done. However, the new wireless charging case is compatible with the first generation AirPods.

AirPods 2 vs AirPods 1 price

The second-generation AirPods are priced at R$1079 on Apple's website, or R$1259 with the charging case, which is well worth taking along. However, also check online stores, as it is possible to find the AirPods 2 with Recharge Case for less than R$ 1000. The new AirPods‌ 2 can be purchased on the Apple website.

Apple is also offering the wireless charging case separately for R$ 611,10, so if you already have the first generation AirPods, you can buy the case to charge your headphones. The wireless charging case even includes a Lightning port so you can charge your ‌AirPods‌ via cable if you prefer.

Are the AirPods 2 worth buying or are the AirPods 1 still a good deal?

Second-gen AirPods aren't an impressive upgrade over first-gen headphones. Apple's next headset is rumored to feature health monitoring, noise cancellation and water resistance. At first this new model was supposed to be released this year, but the pandemic probably delayed that.

New features like "Hey ‌Siri‌" speakerphone activation and wireless charging are still welcome improvements, and even if you're not convinced they present an interesting update over the first-gen ‌AirPods‌, you still have the option to buy the new box to charge the first generation headphones, using a Qi-compatible charging pad.