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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and versatility for different types of audio content, the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick may be the better option as it offers superior overall sound quality and performs well across music, calls, gaming, and TV. The Ear Stick also boasts low latency, making it more suitable for videos and gaming, and it is optimized for both Android and Apple devices. On the other hand, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) integrate seamlessly with Apple products and have a slightly longer battery life; however, their closed design provides less soundstage and noise isolation is limited in both options. Additionally, Apple's offering is more expensive, so if budget is a concern, the "Nothing" Ear Stick could give you a better value for the price. 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 music
- Good for exercise
- Very 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
Music
7.1
6.1
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for music, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is only fair.
Gaming
5.4
8.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
8.6
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
TV and Video
5.5
7.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$99
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick costs $99.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
8.4
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both poor for noise reduction.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $99 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | November 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
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 Stick
See more
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 (3rd 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.
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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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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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