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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Based on the information, if sound quality is your top priority, the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick provides a slightly better overall listening experience. However, if you often engage in calls and meetings, or use your earbuds for gaming, the Ear Stick's higher scores for those activities suggest they would be a more suitable choice. Additionally, they offer a low latency mode and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices, which can be a major advantage for seamless device integration. In terms of build quality and mic quality, both options score similarly. The Beats EP headphones are wired and don't require charging, but are less portable than the lightweight and wireless Ear Stick, which also provides better portability with a case and has a longer battery life. The Beats EP may offer better noise isolation due to their closed on-ear design, which could be important if you're often in noisy environments. Ultimately, if budget is a concern and you need versatility for various types of audio content and activities, the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick may present a more value-friendly option with its additional features and competitive sound quality. 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 Stick
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.1
6.1
The Beats EP is very good for music, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
8.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for gaming, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.2
8.6
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for phone calls, while the Beats EP is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
8.4
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The Beats EP and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The Beats EP does not have a battery. The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has 5 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
8.0
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has excellent build quality, while the Beats EP has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.6
7.5
The Beats EP and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both good for TV and video.
Cost
$100
$99
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick costs $99.
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How the Beats EP and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $99 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | 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 | 4.3/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 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 | N/A | 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 | 8/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
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 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 Beats EP or the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
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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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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