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Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) and the Nothing Ear (2), consider these points: the AirPods offer good sound for everyday use, comfort, and seamless integration with Apple devices. They lack noise isolation and are not the best for TV and gaming due to higher latency. The Nothing Ear (2) has higher overall sound quality, superior noise isolation, and low latency mode, making them better for detailed listening, gaming, and noisy environments. They are also sweatproof and have an app equalizer for sound customization. Decide based on your priorities, such as device compatibility, listening environments, and specific use cases like exercise, gaming, or travel. 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)
- The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has no clear advantages over the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2).
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
5.4
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
9.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good.
TV and Video
5.5
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
6.7 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$149
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) costs $149.
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Key similarities
Music
7.1
7.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both good for music.
Phone Calls
7.6
7.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for phone calls.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | March 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 6.7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3. | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
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."
"Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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Dig into reviews and images
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 (3rd 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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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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