Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs Apple AirPods (1st generation)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ($249) vs Apple AirPods (1st generation) ($30) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right true wireless.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple AirPods Pro 2 | Apple AirPods (1st generation) |
| Price | $249 | $30 |
| Weight | 61.4g | 46g |
| ANC | Adaptive Audio | — |
| Battery | 6h / 30h case | 5h per charge, 24h with case |
| Chip | H2 | Apple W1 |
| Codec | AAC | — |
| Charging | MagSafe + USB-C | Lightning case only |
| Fit | Silicone tips XS–L | One-size, non-sealed |
| Weight | — | 46g (Apple published: 4g bud x2 + 38g case) |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Pro 2
- Adaptive ANC best-in-class
- Conversation Awareness
- Seamless iPhone switching
- Find My integration
- MagSafe case charging
- iPhone-ecosystem mostly
- No LDAC / aptX
- Ear tip fit not universal
Apple AirPods (1st generation)
- The device that started the true-wireless category
- Automatic pairing across Apple devices, still instant
- Cheapest way into the AirPods shape
- Genuinely small and light at 4g per earbud
- No noise cancellation or Transparency mode
- Case charges via Lightning only, no wireless pad
- Battery is a decade old on any used pair
- No volume control, tap-only for playback and Siri
Apple AirPods (1st generation) is the better value at $30. Both are part of our curated true wireless index — tap through to check current pricing.