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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are more pocket-friendly and offer good overall sound quality, with stronger performance for casual music listening and light phone call use. They are also optimized for Apple devices and provide decent battery life. However, the Nothing Brand Ear (2) earbuds deliver better sound quality, particularly for immersive music and games, and come with active noise cancelling for improved listening in noisy environments. They also have a higher build quality and are sweatproof, dustproof, and support wireless charging. So, if you are looking for better sound experience and additional features like active noise cancellation and are willing to pay a bit more, the Nothing Brand Ear (2) could be a better fit. But if you're an Apple user looking for a more cost-effective option that works seamlessly with your Apple devices, the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) might be the better 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 (2nd generation)
- The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has no clear advantages over the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2).
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
7.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
9.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good.
TV and Video
5.4
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
6.7 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) costs $149.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | March 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 6.7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3. | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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"Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | March 2023
"For the price the Nothing Ear (2) is pretty good. It fits well, and the IP54 rating (and IP55 with case) is durable enough for daily life. Most of its unique features are found in the Nothing X app, such as personalized frequency responses, and personalized, adjustable ANC."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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.
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Why trust us
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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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