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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
For robust call quality and a sleek design, the "Nothing" Brand Ear Sticks may be better, and they also have a slight edge in overall sound quality and are more affordable than Apple AirPods (2nd generation). They offer a good exercise companion and are rated higher for gaming and watching TV. On the other hand, if you're an iPhone user, you might lean towards AirPods for their optimized integration with Apple devices, and they have decent sound quality for music and calls. AirPods also come with a longer lasting case battery and the option for wireless charging, which the Ear Sticks lack. Both have a similar form factor and weight, and neither offer active noise canceling, so your choice may come down to brand preference or specific feature importance like better microphone quality or device compatibility. 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 "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
4.8
8.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
8.6
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair.
TV and Video
5.4
7.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$99
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick costs $99.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
5.8
6.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick to be only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
8.4
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $99 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | November 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 1.2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 22 | |
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 | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
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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Dig into reviews and images
"Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | December 2022
"If the Ear (stick) fits your ears, its light weight means you can easily wear it until the unimpressive battery life totally drains. The IP54 rating of the buds lends some confidence that it’ll survive some light abuse too. Finally, for the person who only wears earbuds at their desk, the Nothing Ear (stick) with its decent microphone could offer a reasonable Zoom meeting solution."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
123,200
Recommendations made
18,480
Consumer hours saved
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.
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