Nothing Ear (2) vs. AirPods (3rd gen): Specs, features, and more

The war between tiny devices that stuff your ear canals is endless.

This week, the UK tech startup released a follow-up to its surprisingly good Ear (1) wireless earbuds for 2021. About a year and a half later, Ear (2) came out. It promises better sound quality and battery life, and has the same cool clear plastic look as before at the new $150 price point.

So it’s time to do what you have to do with a new pair of wireless earbuds: Compare them to AirPods. Specifically, the 3rd generation $170 model that’s priced closest to the Ear (2). Here’s what the two audio devices look like side by side:

design

The most subjective category by far, physical design is also probably the least important thing about a pair of earbuds. That said, as the writer of this article, I declare that there is no winner in the looks department. In fact, it’s basically the same as the ear (1), and it’s a cool design that doesn’t need to be changed.

I think the clear plastic case of the technology is cool. The AirPods certainly look nice and fit naturally into Apple’s preservative-plastic white aesthetic, but they’re not particularly eye-catching. Comfortable to wear for long sessions. Neither of these devices are losers here, with one being just a little bit cooler than the other.

Winner: deaf (2)

customization

This is hardly fair.

As a sort of entry-level option that doesn’t have many high-end features like active noise cancellation (more on that later), the 3rd generation AirPods naturally don’t have many ways to configure them.(opens in new tab) play with Sure, you can turn off automatic in-ear detection or lower the volume of sound effects, but that’s about it.

Stick it in your ear, listen to what you want to hear, then take it out. This is a perfectly valid approach to technology, but unfortunately it doesn’t look as good as what Nothing has to offer.

Ear (2) setup requires downloading the Nothing X app from the App Store(opens in new tab) or play store(opens in new tab)It takes a minute, but it’s worth it. Nothing gives users the ability to adjust noise cancellation, remap touch commands, or test if the silicone ear seals fit correctly in their ears. Not an option, but more than Apple offers.

Oh, and unlike AirPods, you can access these options on your Android phone.

Winner: deaf (2)

sound quality

Sound quality is difficult to compare. But with that in mind, it’s worth noting that Apple earbuds have always sounded great, with reviews from outlets like The Verge. Worth it.(opens in new tab) and wired(opens in new tab) We appreciate the sound of the Ear (2). You can’t go wrong here.

What stands out in this category for me is the presence of active noise cancellation. This feature has become so standard for earbuds in this price range that the $250 price tag for the cheapest AirPods with ANC is frankly a bit silly. One of these devices can keep you listening while the train goes by, but one of them doesn’t. It’s as easy as that.

Winner: deaf (2)

battery life

When it comes to battery life, Apple can go home knowing it won at least one today.

No other ear (2) offers up to 6.3 hours of playtime on a single charge with ANC off. However, with ANC on, playback time is limited to 4 hours. ANC is such a huge selling point for the Ear (2) compared to the 3rd generation AirPods that I can’t imagine using them off for long periods of time.

Apple, on the other hand, rates AirPods without ANC for 6 hours of playback on a single charge. That’s a little less than what Nothing offers in ideal conditions, but in real-world use, Apple beats it.

Winner: AirPods

verdict

You can probably see where this is going.

Nothing Ear (2) is a better product than the 3rd generation AirPods in most ways. It looks cooler, has more features and sounds better with ANC. They’re also $20 cheaper than Apple’s $170 earbuds, and work well with Android phones.

Still, Apple’s earbuds are perfectly fine and might be a good choice if you don’t mind ANC or just want something that works seamlessly with your iPhone. One of them is better than the other.

Winner: deaf (2)