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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 are convenient for on-the-go use and exercise due to their wireless design, comfort, and features like sweat resistance and active noise canceling, making them versatile for music, calls, and casual gaming. However, the HifiMan Arya Stealth offers superior overall sound quality and an expansive soundstage, suited for an immersive listening experience at home. The Arya's open-back design and lack of noise isolation make them less ideal for noisy environments or commuting. Considering the significant price difference, if cost is crucial and you seek an all-around, portable earbud, Airpods Pro 2 is the better choice; if ultimate sound fidelity is your priority and you mainly listen in quiet spaces, consider the HifiMan Arya Stealth. 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 Pro 2
Good for phone calls
Very good for gaming
Very good for air travel
Advantages of the HifiMan Arya Stealth
Best in class for music
Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.0/10
10.0/10
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is best in class for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good.
Gaming
8.4/10
7.1/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for gaming, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is good.
Phone Calls
7.8/10
5.1/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for phone calls, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8/10
8.1/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and HifiMan Arya Stealth are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.8/10
9.4/10
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is excellent for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
2.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is excellent for noise reduction, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life. The HifiMan Arya Stealth does not have a battery.
Cost
$199
$649
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has a price of $199 and the HifiMan Arya Stealth costs $649.
"Apple's upgraded H2 chip begets better active noise canceling (ANC) and battery life, while the case's U1 chip and integrated speaker lets you precisely locate it from the Find My app. If you own an iPhone, the new AirPods Pro is an obvious choice."
"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 Pro 2 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.
Luis Torres
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.