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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 offers higher sound quality, better noise isolation, and features like active noise cancelling which the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick lacks, making it more suitable for air travel and noisy environments. The PI7 also supports high-quality codecs like AptX Adaptive and has a shorter charging time, which ensures better sound and quicker usability. On the other hand, the Ear Stick has a longer battery life, both for the earbuds and the case, and provides a more open sound due to its open-back design, which can be more comfortable for extended use. It also has a lighter build, which could be more comfortable for some users. If sound quality and noise isolation are your priority and you are willing to invest more, go for the PI7. Otherwise, for casual use with longer battery life and a more open sound, the Ear Stick may be more cost-effective. 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 Bowers and Wilkins PI7
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
- Very good for phone calls
- Good for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.8
6.1
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both only fair for music, though the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
5.1
8.6
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.8
8.4
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
TV and Video
6.8
7.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
8.3
2.5
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for noise reduction, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is poor.
Battery
3.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life. The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$399
$99
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has a price of $399 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick costs $99.
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Key similarities
Gaming
8.1
8.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick and Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are both very good for gaming.
Build Quality
8.9
9.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick to have excellent build quality, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins PI7 | "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$399 | $99 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2021 | November 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 3 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.7 Hours | 1.2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | 22 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Chase Bernath | April 2022
"The primary selling point of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is the charging case that can transmit audio from any analog source to the earbuds. If you have a very specific and clear need for that feature, then the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is for you."
"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."
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About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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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
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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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