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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The EPOS PC38X offers superior overall sound quality, a more immersive soundstage, and exceptional microphone quality, making it ideal for gaming and calls. It's a wired, over-ear headset with open-back design and a boom microphone, which contributes to its high marks in comfort. However, it's less portable, isn't suitable for exercise, and lacks wireless connectivity. On the other hand, the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is a more affordable, stem-style, open-back earbud that is wireless, more portable, and features a good microphone. It supports low latency mode, making it fairly suitable for TV and video, and also has sweat and dust resistance, which makes it a better choice for use during exercise. It also offers app equalization and control customization, with decent battery life extended by a charging case. If you prioritize versatility, the Ear Stick may serve you better for everyday casual use, commuting, and physical activity. 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 EPOS PC38X
- Best in class for music
- Best in class for phone calls
- Best in class for gaming
- Excellent for TV and video
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
9.5
6.1
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for music, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is only fair.
Gaming
10.0
8.1
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for gaming, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good.
Phone Calls
10.0
8.6
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for phone calls, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good.
TV and Video
9.0
7.5
The EPOS PC38X is excellent for TV and video, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is good.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The EPOS PC38X does not have a battery. The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$139
$99
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The EPOS PC38X has a price of $139 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick costs $99.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has excellent build quality, while the EPOS PC38X has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
8.4
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the EPOS PC38X is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The EPOS PC38X and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the EPOS PC38X and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| EPOS PC38X | "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$139 | $99 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | EPOS | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2020 | November 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.6/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 10/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 10/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.5/10 | 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 | 10/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 249.4 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | Integrated | |
Shopping
EPOS PC38X
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Dig into reviews and images
Everyday Listening
Ryan Soo | November 2021
"Lightweight and comfortable design, Mic arm with mute, Excellent tuning, Highly natural midrange voicing, Clean and separated bass, Solid soundstage dimensions. Combining all day comfort and integrated coms with a balanced and spacious sound from essentially any source, it is hard to deny the versatility and value provided by the PC38X."
"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 EPOS PC38X or the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
About EPOS
EPOS is a relatively new company with a very long heritage. Previously known as Sennheiser Communications, EPOS is the result of the joint venture between the German headphone manufacturer Sennheiser and the Danish Demant that sought to develop premium audio communication solutions. They specialize in two main product groups, enterprise communications and gaming communication headsets and processing devices.
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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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Chandradeep Chowdhury
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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.
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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