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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize overall sound quality and are willing to pay slightly more, the Apple AirPods Pro are a great choice, but they may not be ideal for gaming or watching TV due to higher latency. Conversely, the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) offers better performance for gaming and TV with its low latency mode and is slightly less expensive while also providing comparable sound quality for music and calls. However, the AirPods Pro have better noise isolation, which could be important if you often find yourself in noisy environments like air travel. Both options are similar in terms of comfort, mic quality, and are sweatproof, but the Ear (2) has a longer battery life. Choose the AirPods Pro if you are within the Apple ecosystem as you'll get optimized features, but if you want better value and versatility, the Ear (2) might be the better choice. 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 Pro
- Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Good for music
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
5.1
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4
7.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) and Apple Airpods Pro are both good for phone calls, though the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
9.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods Pro 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 Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
8.0
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good.
Battery
5.0 Hours
6.7 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$260
$149
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) costs $149.
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Key similarities
Music
6.8
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) to be good for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods Pro and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$260 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | March 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 7.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 6.7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.3. | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | January 2023
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
"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 Pro 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
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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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