Nothing Ear vs AirPods Pro 2 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

AirPods Pro 2 & Nothing Ear share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the AirPods Pro 2 rather than the Nothing Ear. 

Why Do I Recommend The AirPods Pro 2

  • The AirPods Pro 2 features the Apple H2 chip for faster processing and more precise active noise cancellation to reduce a wider range of background sounds, while the Nothing Ear uses a custom processor with less optimized ANC performance.
  • AirPods Pro 2 supports Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for a more immersive 3D soundstage during movies and games, whereas the Nothing Ear supports only standard spatial audio without head tracking.
  • It includes Adaptive Transparency mode for automatically adjusting external sounds to protect hearing in loud environments, while the Nothing Ear has a basic manual transparency mode without automatic volume control.
  • The AirPods Pro 2 comes with Precision Find using the U1 chip for accurate location tracking of the charging case, whereas the Nothing Ear relies on standard Bluetooth location through Google Find My Device.
  • AirPods Pro 2 has force-squeeze and swipe stem controls for precise volume adjustment and playback management, while the Nothing Ear uses touch and squeeze gestures without dedicated swipe volume control.
  • It features automatic device switching across iPhone, iPad, and Mac for seamless audio transitions, whereas the Nothing Ear requires manual Bluetooth pairing.
  • The AirPods Pro 2 includes an ear tip fit test for ensuring a secure seal and optimal sound quality, while the Nothing Ear lacks an integrated fit test feature.
  • AirPods Pro 2 supports conversation awareness to lower media volume and enhance voices when someone speaks nearby, whereas the Nothing Ear has no automatic conversation detection.

Maybe the Nothing Ear price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureAirPods Pro  2Nothing Ear
Active Noise CancellationAdaptive ANC powered by Apple H2 chipHybrid ANC rated up to 45 dB
Transparency ModeAdaptive Transparency with real-time ambient analysisAdjustable Transparency with manual control
Bluetooth Version5.3 with LC3 readiness5.3 with LHDC 5.0 & LDAC
Spatial AudioPersonalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head trackingStandard spatial effect without head tracking
Processing ChipApple H2 with U1 in the caseCustom Nothing processor
Ear Tip Fit TestBuilt-in fit test via iOSNo automated fit test
Find-My TrackingPrecision Find using U1 Ultra-WidebandGoogle Fast Pair & Find My Device
Charging OptionsMagSafe, Qi wireless, USB-C, Apple Watch chargerUSB-C wired and Qi wireless
Microphones6 total3 per bud
Adaptive EQReal-time adaptive EQManual EQ via Nothing X app
Water/Sweat ResistanceIP54 earbuds and caseIP54 earbuds, IP55 case
Weight per Earbud5.3 g4.6 g
Stem ControlsForce-squeeze plus swipe volumeTouch & squeeze customizable gestures
Companion AppIntegrated in iOS SettingsNothing X app for iOS and Android
Platform IntegrationDeep Apple ecosystem with Siri and HandoffCross-platform Android/iOS
Color OptionsWhite onlyBlack or White
Adaptive Conversation AwarenessSupportedNot supported
PriceCheck AirPods Pro 2 PriceCheck Nothing Ear Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Active Noise Cancellation: Both earbuds use active noise cancellation to reduce background noise, making music and calls clearer in loud environments. This feature is essential for commuters and travelers who need consistent sound quality.
  • Transparency Mode: Each model includes a transparency or ambient mode that lets outside sound in while wearing the earbuds. This is valuable for situational awareness, such as crossing streets or talking without removing the earbuds.
  • Bluetooth Version: Both support Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring stable connections, better range, and improved energy efficiency compared to older versions.
  • In-Ear Design: The in-ear, stem-style design provides a snug fit and effective passive isolation. This design enhances comfort and stability during long listening sessions or workouts.
  • Wireless Charging Case: Both charging cases support Qi wireless charging, allowing users to place the case on a wireless pad for convenient recharging without cables.
  • USB-C Charging Port: Each model includes a USB-C port on the case, enabling fast and universal wired charging with the same cable used for many other devices.
  • IP54 Earbud Water Resistance: Both earbuds are rated IP54, offering protection against sweat and light rain, which is ideal for exercise or outdoor use.
  • Customizable Touch/Press Controls: Both products provide customizable controls on the stems, allowing users to manage playback, calls, and noise modes without using their phones.
  • Dual Beamforming Microphones: Each earbud uses dual beamforming microphones to capture clear voice input and reduce ambient noise during calls.
  • Automatic Ear Detection: Both earbuds automatically pause or play audio when inserted or removed, enhancing convenience and saving battery life.
  • Adaptive EQ Support: Each set supports adaptive or adjustable EQ to maintain balanced sound across different volumes and listening environments.
  • Fast Pairing: Both models feature quick pairing capabilities, making the initial connection to a phone or tablet almost instantaneous.
  • Mono or Stereo Use: Users can listen with a single earbud or both, offering flexibility for calls or when situational awareness is important.
  • Voice Assistant Access: Both provide hands-free access to voice assistants such as Siri or Google Assistant, enabling voice commands without touching the phone.
  • Find-My/Device Tracking: Each model includes a device tracking feature through their respective apps, helping users locate misplaced earbuds or cases.
  • Companion App for Settings: Both have dedicated apps or integrated settings that allow for firmware updates and feature customization, improving the user experience.
  • Low-Latency Game Mode: Both support low-latency modes for gaming or video, ensuring that audio stays synchronized with on-screen action.

Common Features

FeatureAirPods Pro 2Nothing Ear
Active Noise CancellationYesYes
Transparency ModeYesYes
Bluetooth Version5.35.3
In-Ear DesignYesYes
Wireless Charging CaseQi WirelessQi Wireless
USB-C Charging PortYesYes
IP54 Earbud Water ResistanceYesYes
Customizable Touch/Press ControlsYesYes
Dual Beamforming MicrophonesYesYes
Automatic Ear DetectionYesYes
Adaptive EQ SupportYesYes
Fast PairingYesYes
Mono or Stereo UseYesYes
Voice Assistant AccessYesYes
Find-My/Device TrackingYesYes
Companion App for SettingsYesYes
Low-Latency Game ModeYesYes
Price Check AirPods Pro 2 Price Check Nothing Ear Price

FAQ

What is the battery life of the AirPods Pro 2 and Nothing Ear?
The AirPods Pro 2 provide about 6 hours of listening with ANC on and around 30 hours with the charging case, while the Nothing Ear delivers up to 8.5 hours with ANC off and about 40 hours total with the case.

Do both earbuds support active noise cancellation?
Yes, both AirPods Pro 2 and Nothing Ear include active noise cancellation that reduces external sounds for a more immersive listening experience.

Are these earbuds compatible with both iOS and Android devices?
AirPods Pro 2 work best with Apple devices but can pair with Android via Bluetooth, and the Nothing Ear is fully compatible with both Android and iOS platforms.

Do the earbuds support wireless charging?
Yes, each model comes with a case that supports Qi wireless charging for convenient cable-free power.

Which codecs do they support for audio quality?
AirPods Pro 2 use AAC and SBC, while Nothing Ear supports AAC, SBC, LDAC, and LHDC for high-resolution streaming on compatible devices.

How effective is their water resistance?
Both earbuds have an IP54 rating for sweat and splash resistance, making them suitable for workouts and light rain conditions.

Do they offer a transparency or ambient mode?
Yes, both models provide a transparency mode that allows ambient sounds to pass through so you can hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds.

Can the earbuds be used individually?
Yes, both AirPods Pro 2 and Nothing Ear allow mono use of a single earbud, which is helpful for calls or when you need to stay aware of the environment.

Is there an app for customizing settings?
AirPods Pro 2 settings integrate directly into iOS, while Nothing Ear uses the Nothing X app for both Android and iOS to adjust ANC, EQ, and controls.

Do they have low latency for gaming or video?
Both earbuds feature low-latency modes that help keep audio and video in sync, providing a better gaming or streaming experience.

How is the call quality on each model?
Both use multiple beamforming microphones and noise reduction algorithms to deliver clear voice quality even in noisy environments.

Do they support voice assistants?
Yes, AirPods Pro 2 integrate with Siri for hands-free control, and Nothing Ear can activate Google Assistant or Siri depending on the connected device.

Can I track the location of these earbuds if I misplace them?
AirPods Pro 2 support Apple’s Find My network with Precision Find, while Nothing Ear integrates with Google’s Find My Device for locating the case or buds.

What kind of controls do they offer on the earbuds themselves?
AirPods Pro 2 have force-squeeze and swipe gestures for playback, volume, and noise control, while Nothing Ear provides customizable touch and squeeze controls.

Which one offers better spatial audio features?
AirPods Pro 2 include Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for immersive sound, while Nothing Ear supports a more basic spatial effect without head tracking.

Leave a Comment