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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value sound quality and use your audio equipment primarily for music listening and you don't require a wireless option, the Audio Technica ATH M40X would be a better choice. However, the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick offers a more portable and modern experience with wireless connectivity, a low latency mode for better sync during games or videos, and is optimized for calls and meetings due to its built-in microphone. The Ear Stick is also sweatproof and dustproof, making it a more versatile option for on-the-go use and exercise, with the convenience of features like ear detection and a charging case that extends battery life. The trade-off lies in choosing between the superior sound and comfort of the over-ear M40X versus the portability and modern features of the in-ear Ear Stick, with the former being somewhat more expensive. 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 Audio Technica ATH M40X
- Very good for music
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.1
6.1
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for music, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is only fair.
Gaming
7.0
8.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is good.
Phone Calls
3.3
8.6
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1
8.4
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
TV and Video
8.7
7.5
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica ATH M40X is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M40X does not have a battery. The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$79
$99
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $79 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick costs $99.
Build Quality
8.2
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X has very good build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M40X | "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$79 | $99 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | November 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.1/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 245 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M40X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Lily Katz | August 2023
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."
"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 Audio Technica ATH M40X or the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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