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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound isolation for air travel and you want a durable design, the Apple AirPods Max might be worth the extra cost. However, if you are looking for something better optimized for calls, meetings, gaming, and TV, or if portability is key, the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) earbuds offer many of these features at a typically much lower 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 Max
- Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
5.5
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Phone Calls
6.6
7.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Max is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
9.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods Max is very good.
TV and Video
5.7
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0
8.0
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good.
Battery
21.0 Hours
6.7 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$149
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) costs $149.
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Key similarities
Music
7.3
7.0
The Apple Airpods Max and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both good for music.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods Max and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | March 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 7.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 6.7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3. | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 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 | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Max
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | July 2023
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
"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 Max 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
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.
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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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