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

AirPods Pro & 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 rather than the Nothing Ear. 

Why Do I Recommend The AirPods Pro

  • The AirPods Pro features the Apple H2 chip for faster processing and more precise adaptive noise cancellation, while the Nothing Ear uses a custom chipset with less advanced noise control.
  • AirPods Pro supports Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for a 3D immersive listening experience, whereas the Nothing Ear includes standard spatial-like sound without head tracking.
  • It comes with Adaptive Transparency mode to automatically reduce sudden loud sounds for safer outdoor awareness, while the Nothing Ear provides a basic transparency mode without dynamic noise reduction.
  • The AirPods Pro has a U1 chip with Precision Finding for accurate location tracking of the case, whereas the Nothing Ear relies on standard Bluetooth location through its app.
  • AirPods Pro features a MagSafe-compatible charging case for secure magnetic wireless charging alignment, while the Nothing Ear uses a standard Qi wireless charging case without magnetic alignment.
  • It supports seamless automatic switching between Apple devices for uninterrupted audio when moving from iPhone to Mac or iPad, whereas the Nothing Ear requires manual switching between devices.
  • The AirPods Pro includes a vent system with multiple ear tip sizes for reduced ear pressure and improved long-term comfort, while the Nothing Ear provides ear tips without a venting system.
  • AirPods Pro integrates deeply with iOS for features like Audio Sharing and Siri voice control for hands-free operation, whereas the Nothing Ear depends on a separate app for most advanced settings and lacks native Apple ecosystem integration.

Maybe the Nothing Ear price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the AirPods Pro. 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 ProNothing Ear
ChipsetApple H2Nothing custom chip
Noise CancellationDual-microphone adaptive ANCAdaptive ANC with three levels
Transparency ModeAdaptive Transparency with dynamic noise reductionStandard Transparency
Spatial AudioPersonalized Spatial Audio with head trackingNo head tracking spatial effect
Bluetooth Version5.3 with Apple ecosystem optimizations5.3 with multipoint support
Audio CodecAAC onlyAAC and LHDC 5.0
Ear Tip SizesXS, S, M, L with pressure ventS, M, L without vent
ControlsForce-sensor stem squeeze and swipe volumeTouch-sensitive stem tap and slide
Charging PortUSB-C or LightningUSB-C only
Wireless ChargingMagSafe and QiQi wireless
Case FeaturesFind My with U1 chip and built-in speakerLED indicator only
Water ResistanceIPX4 buds and caseIP54 buds, IP55 case
Weight per Earbud5.3 g4.8 g
App SupportiOS settings integrationNothing X app with EQ
Color OptionsWhiteBlack or White transparent
Design StyleSmooth minimal Apple finishTransparent futuristic stem
Ecosystem IntegrationSeamless with iPhone, iPad, MacCross-platform Android and iOS
PriceCheck AirPods Pro PriceCheck Nothing Ear Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Active Noise Cancellation: Both earbuds include advanced ANC to block external sounds, letting listeners enjoy music or calls with fewer distractions. This is especially useful in noisy environments like public transit or busy offices.
  • Transparency Mode: Each model provides a transparency feature so users can hear ambient sounds while still wearing the earbuds. This is important for situational awareness when walking outdoors or speaking with someone briefly.
  • Bluetooth Version: Both support Bluetooth 5.3 for stable connections and efficient power use. This ensures low latency and reliable pairing across a range of devices.
  • Wireless Charging: Each charging case is compatible with Qi wireless chargers, allowing cable-free charging on most standard pads. This adds convenience for users who already own wireless charging stations.
  • In-Ear Design: Both have an ergonomic in-ear fit with silicone tips for a secure seal and improved sound isolation. This design enhances comfort and audio quality.
  • Touch/Stem Controls: Each provides intuitive on-ear controls for playback, calls, and ANC toggling without reaching for a phone. This simplifies daily operation.
  • USB-C Charging Support: Both cases can charge via USB-C, making it easy to share one common cable with other modern devices and ensuring faster charging speeds.
  • Customizable Ear Tips: Each product includes multiple ear tip sizes to achieve a personalized fit. A proper seal improves both comfort and noise cancellation performance.
  • Sweat & Water Resistance: Both are rated for resistance to splashes and sweat, making them suitable for workouts and light rain. This protects the earbuds from moisture damage during exercise.
  • Voice Assistant Access: Each allows direct activation of a phone’s voice assistant for hands-free commands. This is convenient for tasks like checking messages or controlling music.
  • Automatic Ear Detection: Both detect when they are in or out of the ear, pausing or resuming playback automatically. This helps conserve battery and provides a seamless user experience.
  • Fast Pairing: Each supports quick pairing with compatible devices, reducing the time needed to start listening. This is especially helpful when switching between phones or tablets.
  • Single-Earbud Use: Both allow listening with just one earbud while the other charges, ensuring uninterrupted calls or music. This extends total listening time.
  • Microphone Array for Calls: Each uses multiple microphones to capture clear voice audio and reduce background noise during calls. This results in better call quality in noisy environments.
  • Companion App/EQ Adjustment: Both can be managed through a companion app to tweak settings such as ANC level or EQ preferences. This gives users more control over their listening experience.
  • Case Battery Indicator: Each charging case shows battery status through an LED indicator, letting users know when it’s time to recharge. This prevents unexpected power loss during travel.
  • Music & Call Controls: Both include standard play, pause, skip, and call management functions directly on the earbuds. This provides easy, on-the-go control without using a phone.

Common Features

FeatureAirPods ProNothing Ear
Active Noise CancellationYesYes
Transparency ModeYesYes
Bluetooth Version5.35.3
Wireless ChargingQiQi
In-Ear DesignYesYes
Touch/Stem ControlsYesYes
USB-C Charging SupportYesYes
Customizable Ear TipsYesYes
Sweat & Water ResistanceIPX4 or higherIPX4 or higher
Voice Assistant AccessYesYes
Automatic Ear DetectionYesYes
Fast PairingYesYes
Single-Earbud UseYesYes
Microphone Array for CallsYesYes
Companion App/EQ AdjustmentYesYes
Case Battery IndicatorYesYes
Music & Call ControlsYesYes
Price Check AirPods Pro Price Check Nothing Ear Price

FAQ

Are the AirPods Pro and Nothing Ear both compatible with iPhone and Android devices?
Yes, both models pair seamlessly with iPhone and Android smartphones via Bluetooth 5.3, allowing stable connections and easy switching between multiple devices.

Do AirPods Pro and Nothing Ear support active noise cancellation?
Yes, both earbuds include advanced ANC that reduces external sounds, creating an immersive listening environment in noisy areas like airplanes or busy streets.

Can I use a single earbud at a time with these models?
Yes, each pair supports single-earbud use, letting you listen with one ear while the other charges in the case, which is convenient for calls or extending battery life.

Do they offer transparency mode for hearing ambient sounds?
Yes, both earbuds feature transparency mode, enabling you to stay aware of your surroundings while listening to music or speaking with others.

Are the charging cases compatible with wireless charging pads?
Yes, both cases support Qi wireless charging, allowing you to charge them on standard wireless charging mats without needing a cable.

How long does the battery last on each model?
The AirPods Pro provide up to 6 hours of playback with ANC on and about 30 hours total with the case, while the Nothing Ear delivers around 5.5 to 6 hours with ANC on and up to 40.5 hours combined with the case.

Do both earbuds have water or sweat resistance for workouts?
Yes, AirPods Pro are rated IPX4 for both buds and case, while Nothing Ear offers IP54 for buds and IP55 for the case, providing protection against sweat and light rain.

Can I adjust the sound or EQ on both products?
Yes, AirPods Pro have limited EQ adjustments through Apple Music settings, and Nothing Ear offers a customizable EQ through the Nothing X app for more detailed sound personalization.

Do these earbuds provide fast pairing with devices?
Yes, both models support fast pairing, quickly connecting to devices once the case is opened for a hassle-free setup experience.

Is voice assistant access available on both?
Yes, both earbuds let you summon your phone’s voice assistant—Siri on iPhone or Google Assistant on Android—for hands-free control of calls, music, and more.

Can I control music and calls directly from the earbuds?
Yes, both products feature on-ear or stem controls for play, pause, volume adjustments, and answering calls, so you don’t need to reach for your phone.

Do they both support automatic ear detection?
Yes, each detects when you insert or remove an earbud, automatically pausing or resuming playback to save battery and maintain a seamless experience.

Are the charging ports similar for both earbuds?
Yes, both charging cases include a USB-C port, making it easy to share cables with other modern electronics and ensuring faster wired charging.

Do they have a companion app for additional features?
Yes, Nothing Ear uses the Nothing X app for in-depth settings, while AirPods Pro can be managed through iOS Bluetooth settings and the Find My app for extra functionality.

Are the earbuds comfortable for long listening sessions?
Yes, both come with multiple sizes of silicone ear tips that create a secure, comfortable fit, reducing ear fatigue and improving passive noise isolation during extended use.

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