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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and convenience, the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are wireless earbuds known for their easy connectivity with Apple devices, offering a compact form, decent call quality, and features like adaptive sound when paired with an Apple device. However, keep in mind that they're closed-back and might not provide the most expansive soundstage. On the other hand, the HifiMan Arya Stealth headphones are high-end open-back headphones with a larger soundstage and potentially superior sound quality, suited for a dedicated listening experience. They are likely to require a dedicated amplifier to reach their full potential and are not as portable as AirPods. Additionally, they can be significantly more expensive. Consider how you will use your headphones to make the best choice for your needs. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the HifiMan Arya Stealth
- Best in class for music
- Good for gaming
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
5.8
10.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is best in class for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
7.1
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
5.1
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is poor.
TV and Video
5.4
9.4
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is excellent for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The HifiMan Arya Stealth does not have a battery.
Cost
$89
$599
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the HifiMan Arya Stealth costs $599.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
8.1
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and HifiMan Arya Stealth are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and HifiMan Arya Stealth are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the HifiMan Arya Stealth compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | HifiMan Arya Stealth |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $599 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | November 1, 2018 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 10/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 7.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 4.5/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 408.2 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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HifiMan Arya Stealth
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Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | October 2022
"The Arya can easily be end-game headphones for 99% of consumers, satisfying most audio desires. Priced well above USD$1000, the Arya are obviously and gloriously not for the mass market consumer; they are designed and built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts – especially those who view their expenses on this level of gear as investments."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the HifiMan Arya Stealth
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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