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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods Max offer superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and seamless integration with Apple devices, making them an excellent choice for users who prioritize high-quality audio and own other Apple products. They are also comfortable for long listening sessions and are constructed with premium materials, but they come with a higher price tag. On the other hand, the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick can be a cost-effective alternative, offering a unique design and a more lightweight, earbud-style fit. The Ear Stick may be more suitable for those who prefer a less obtrusive audio device for casual listening and are looking for a more affordable option. Remember that the Ear Stick won't match the AirPods Max in terms of sound isolation or audio fidelity but can be more convenient for everyday use and when traveling. 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
- Good for music
- Excellent 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
7.3
6.1
The Apple Airpods Max is good for music, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is only fair.
Gaming
5.5
8.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Phone Calls
6.6
8.6
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Max is only fair.
TV and Video
5.7
7.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0
2.5
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is poor.
Battery
21.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$99
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick costs $99.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
8.4
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick and Apple Airpods Max are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods Max and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $99 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | November 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 22 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 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 | 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
See more
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 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 Max 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.
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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