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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for a more affordable and portable option that integrates seamlessly with Apple devices, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) are an excellent choice for casual listening and convenience, including hands-free "Hey Siri" support. On the other hand, the HifiMan Arya Stealth is significantly more expensive but offers high-fidelity audio with an expansive soundstage, which is ideal for audiophiles and critical listening at home or in a studio. However, they are bulkier and may not be as convenient for on-the-go use. Consider your budget, convenience, and sound quality preferences when making your choice. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very 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
7.1
10.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is best in class for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Gaming
5.4
7.1
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
5.1
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is poor.
TV and Video
5.5
9.4
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is excellent for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The HifiMan Arya Stealth does not have a battery.
Cost
$178
$649
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $178 and the HifiMan Arya Stealth costs $649.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
8.1
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and HifiMan Arya Stealth are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and HifiMan Arya Stealth are both poor for noise reduction.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and HifiMan Arya Stealth both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the HifiMan Arya Stealth compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | HifiMan Arya Stealth |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$178 | $649 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | November 1, 2018 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 10/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 7.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4.5/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 408.2 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
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 (3rd 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.
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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.
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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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