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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're on a budget, Apple Earpods are much less expensive and have a respectable sound quality; however, they are wired, offer less noise isolation, and have no wireless capabilities. On the other hand, "Nothing" Brand Ear Sticks are pricier but provide a better overall sound, are wireless with low latency mode which is beneficial for gaming and videos, and include sweat and dust resistance making them suitable for exercise. The Ear Sticks are also optimized for both Android and Apple devices, have an associated app for equalizer and control customization, and feature ear detection, enhancing their versatility and user experience. 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
- Good for music
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8
6.1
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.0
8.6
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick and Apple Earpods are both very good for phone calls, though the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
8.4
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$99
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick costs $99.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has excellent build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
8.3
8.1
The Apple Earpods and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both very good for gaming.
TV and Video
7.4
7.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick and Apple Earpods are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Earpods and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Earpods and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $99 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | November 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 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 | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
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 Stick
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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 Earpods 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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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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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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