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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for earbuds that provide a good balance between sound quality and features at a midrange price, consider the Google Pixel Buds A Series for their superior comfort and call quality. However, bear in mind that they offer less effective noise isolation compared to other models. On the other hand, the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick stands out in terms of sound quality and build, and they provide a unique design, but they have an open design that might not block as much background noise. Both options offer a low latency mode which is good for watching videos and gaming, and they're optimized for general use with both Android and Apple devices. If you exercise frequently, consider the Google Pixel Buds for their sweatproof certification, though for long travels the Ear Stick's lighter weight may be more comfortable. Ultimately, choose the Google Pixel Buds A Series for their comfort and calls, or the "Nothing" Ear Stick for their superior sound and build quality, while keeping in mind the noise isolation differences. 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 Google Pixel Buds A Series
- Good for exercise
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
- The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has no clear advantages over the Google Pixel Buds A Series.
Key differences
Noise Reduction
4.6
2.5
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both poor for noise reduction, though the Google Pixel Buds A Series is somewhat better.
Cost
$58
$108
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has a price of $58 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick costs $108.
Build Quality
7.4
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has excellent build quality, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
6.4
6.1
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both only fair for music.
Gaming
8.6
8.1
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both very good for gaming.
Phone Calls
8.5
8.6
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick and Google Pixel Buds A Series are both very good for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
8.4
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.8
7.5
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both good for TV and video.
Battery
5.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has 5 hours of battery life. The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has 5 hours of battery life.
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How the Google Pixel Buds A Series and the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel Buds A Series | "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$58 | $108 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | "Nothing" Brand | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2021 | November 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.4/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.3 Hours | 1.2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 22 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 4.6/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.4/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.2/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.1 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Google Pixel Buds A Series
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Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"For the person who doesn’t want to think about their earphones while using them, Google has created the Pixel Buds A-Series. For a reasonable price, Google packs in a bevy of features like touch controls and a good fit into this Android-friendly set of earbuds to make productivity and life easier."
"Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
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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 Google Pixel Buds A Series or the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
About Google
Mainly known as the most popular search engine on the planet, Google is a multinational technology company that also offers a variety of audio-oriented products. Beside their smart speakers under the Nest product line, Google offers several models of true wireless earbuds under the Pixel line, some of which happen to be an affordable but very powerful option for those already in the Android ecosystem.
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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.
By the numbers
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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.
Jason Lew
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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