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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats EP is a wired on-ear option and might be more suitable for you if you prefer a more traditional headphones experience, prioritize build quality, and if you're on a budget, as it tends to be less expensive. However, if wireless convenience, modern features like sweatproof certification and noise cancellation, as well as higher sound quality for calls, TV, and gaming are important to you, you might prefer the "Nothing" Ear (2) despite the higher cost. Do keep in mind that with the Beats EP, you won't have the benefits of portability and features that come with an accompanying app. 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 Beats EP
- Very good for music
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.1
7.0
The Beats EP is very good for music, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good.
Gaming
6.3
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.2
7.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the Beats EP is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
9.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.7 Hours
The Beats EP does not have a battery. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) costs $149.
Build Quality
8.0
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has excellent build quality, while the Beats EP has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.6
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) to be very good for TV and video, while the Beats EP is good.
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How the Beats EP and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | March 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 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 | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
"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 Beats EP or the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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.
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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.
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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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