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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If budget is a major concern, Apple Earpods provide a more affordable entry point into quality audio, but do consider that they're wired and maybe less convenient compared to the wireless "Nothing" Ear (2), which offers freedom of movement and is a more modern choice. The "Nothing" Ear (2) is better for an active lifestyle or if you prefer not to deal with wires. The higher price of "Nothing" Ear (2) generally reflects their advanced features like noise cancellation and a potentially higher sound quality, while Earpods are more basic in functionality but still deliver reliable performance for everyday use. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8
7.0
The Apple Earpods and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both good for music, though the Apple Earpods is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
9.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
7.4
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.7 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) costs $149.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has excellent build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
8.3
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) and Apple Earpods are both very good for gaming.
Phone Calls
8.0
7.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Earpods to be very good for phone calls, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good.
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How the Apple Earpods and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | March 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 7.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6.7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3. | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 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 | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
"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 Earpods 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.
By the numbers
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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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