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Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick boasts a higher overall sound quality and better value due to its lower price compared to the Sony WF1000XM3. They offer a more comfortable fit, better microphone quality, superior call and meeting performance, and come with a low latency mode suitable for gaming. However, they have lower noise isolation and are less suitable during air travel and exercise compared to the Sonys which feature superior noise isolation and durability for air travel, despite their higher cost. If you prioritize sound quality and call performance at a more affordable price, the Ear Stick is a strong choice; if noise cancellation and travel use are essential, you may lean towards the Sony WF1000XM3. 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 "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
- Good for music
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
6.1
7.5
The Sony WF1000XM3 is good for music, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is only fair.
Gaming
8.1
5.6
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
TV and Video
7.5
5.7
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for noise reduction, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has 5 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$99
$180
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has a price of $99 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
8.6
8.2
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick and Sony WF1000XM3 are both very good for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick and Sony WF1000XM3 both have excellent build quality.
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How the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | "Nothing" Brand | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2022 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.2/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.2 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 22 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.4 Grams | 9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
"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."
Sony WF1000XM3
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
Get a great deal on the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick or the Sony WF1000XM3
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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
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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