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

Nothing Ear 2 & AirPods Pro 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 Nothing Ear 2 rather than the AirPods Pro. 

Why Do I Recommend The Nothing Ear 2

  • The Nothing Ear 2 supports the LHDC 5.0 codec for delivering high-resolution audio with greater detail and clarity, while the AirPods Pro lacks hi-res codec support.
  • Nothing Ear 2 features adaptive ANC up to 40 dB with personalized noise cancellation settings for a more immersive and tailored listening experience compared to the standard ANC on AirPods Pro.
  • It offers multipoint connectivity to connect two devices simultaneously for seamless switching, while the AirPods Pro lacks this feature.
  • The Nothing Ear 2 provides up to 6.3 hours of battery life per charge and 36 hours with the case for extended travel or long listening sessions, while the AirPods Pro lasts only up to 4.5 hours and 24 hours with the case.
  • Nothing Ear 2 features Bluetooth 5.3 for improved connection stability, lower latency, and better power efficiency, compared to the older Bluetooth 5.0 on the AirPods Pro.
  • It has an IP54 rating for earbuds and IP55 for the case to ensure better dust and water resistance, whereas the AirPods Pro only has IPX4 protection for the earbuds.
  • The Nothing Ear 2 includes a customizable sound profile via a personal hearing test to provide a tailored listening experience by adapting to your unique hearing characteristics, which is not available in the AirPods Pro.

Maybe the AirPods Pro price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Nothing Ear 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.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureNothing Ear 2AirPods Pro
Release Year20232019
DesignTransparent stemWhite stem
Driver Size11.6 mm10 mm
Hi-Res AudioYesNo
Personal Sound ProfileYesNo
ANC TypeAdaptive ANCStandard ANC
ANC StrengthUp to 40 dBAround 25 dB
ANC Customization3 levels + adaptive + personalizedOn/Off toggle
Water Resistance (Earbuds)IP54IPX4
Water Resistance (Case)IP55None
Battery Life (Earbuds, ANC off)Up to 6.3 hoursUp to 5 hours
Battery Life (Earbuds, ANC on)Up to 4 hoursUp to 4.5 hours
Battery Life with Charging CaseUp to 36 hoursUp to 24 hours
Bluetooth Version5.35.0
Multipoint ConnectivityYesNo
Customizable Touch ControlsYesLimited customization
Companion AppYesNo standalone app
Voice Assistant IntegrationGoogle Assistant, SiriSiri only
Platform OptimizationAndroid & iOSiOS primarily
Case SizeSmaller, rectangularWider, pill-shaped
Case LED IndicatorOutsideInside (lid)
Weight (Both Earbuds + Case)~51.9g~45.6g
Fast Charging10 min = 8 hours5 min = ~1 hour
PriceCheck Nothing Ear 2 PriceCheck AirPods Pro Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Both earbuds feature ANC technology, allowing users to minimize ambient sounds for an immersive listening experience.
  • Transparency Mode: Each model offers a transparency mode, enabling users to hear their surroundings without removing the earbuds.
  • Ear Tip Fit Test: Both earbuds include an ear tip fit test feature, helping users select the optimal tip size for comfort, noise isolation, and improved audio performance.
  • Wireless Charging: Each model supports Qi wireless charging, offering convenient cable-free power replenishment through compatible charging pads.
  • Customizable Controls: Both models allow users to customize touch or stem-based controls to manage playback, calls, and ANC features according to personal preferences.
  • In-Ear Detection: Both earbuds use in-ear sensors to automatically pause playback when removed and resume when placed back in the ears.
  • Bluetooth Audio Codecs (AAC/SBC): Both support AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs, ensuring compatibility and reliable audio streaming quality across a variety of devices.
  • Fast Charging: Each model supports fast charging, providing several hours of playback with just a few minutes of charge time inside the case.
  • Mono Mode (Single Earbud Use): Both earbuds support independent use, allowing users to listen or take calls using either the left or right earbud alone.
  • Microphones for Calls/ANC: Both models are equipped with multiple microphones to enhance voice clarity during calls and optimize noise cancellation performance.
  • Voice Assistant Support: Both support voice assistant integration, allowing users to access Siri (AirPods Pro) or Google Assistant/Siri (Nothing Ear 2) via built-in controls.
  • Sweat/Water Resistance (Earbuds): Both earbuds offer water and sweat resistance, making them suitable for workouts and light rain.
  • Firmware Update Support: Both earbuds can receive firmware updates, enabling ongoing improvements and feature enhancements through their respective platforms.
  • Charging Case Included: Both come with a portable charging case that protects and recharges the earbuds for extended usage.

Common Features

FeatureNothing Ear 2AirPods Pro
Form FactorIn-ear true wireless earbudsIn-ear true wireless earbuds
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)YesYes
Transparency ModeYesYes
Ear Tip Fit TestYesYes
Wireless ChargingYesYes
Charging Case IncludedYesYes
Customizable ControlsYesYes (limited via iOS)
Microphones for Calls/ANCYesYes
Touch/Stem-based ControlsYesYes
Bluetooth Audio Codecs (AAC/SBC)AAC, SBCAAC, SBC
In-Ear DetectionYesYes
Voice Assistant SupportYesYes
Fast Charging SupportYesYes
Companion App (Mobile)YesYes
Sweat/Water Resistance (Earbuds)YesYes
Charging via USB-C or LightningYesYes
Firmware Update SupportYesYes
Mono Mode (Single Earbud Use)YesYes
Price Check Nothing Ear 2 Price Check AirPods Pro Price

FAQ

Do both earbuds have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?
Yes, both earbuds offer ANC, but the Nothing Ear (2) features adaptive ANC with customizable levels, whereas AirPods Pro (1st Gen) uses standard ANC without the same degree of personalization.

Can you use either model with Android and iOS devices?
Yes, both earbuds are compatible with Android and iOS. However, AirPods Pro (1st Gen) is optimized for iOS, while Nothing Ear (2) provides a more balanced experience across both platforms with the Nothing X app.

Do they both support transparency mode?
Yes, both models offer transparency mode, allowing external sounds to pass through so users can hear their surroundings without removing the earbuds.

Is there a significant difference in battery life?
Yes, Nothing Ear (2) offers slightly better battery performance, delivering up to 6.3 hours on a single charge and 36 hours with the case. AirPods Pro (1st Gen) provides up to 4.5 hours of listening time with ANC and up to 24 hours with the charging case.

Do both models support wireless charging?
Yes, both the Nothing Ear (2) and AirPods Pro (1st Gen) support Qi wireless charging. AirPods Pro (1st Gen) also supports MagSafe charging in some newer versions of the case.

Can either pair of earbuds connect to multiple devices simultaneously?
Only the Nothing Ear (2) supports multipoint connectivity, allowing it to connect to two devices at once. AirPods Pro (1st Gen) does not have this feature but offers quick switching between Apple devices.

Do both have customizable controls?
Yes, both models allow users to customize controls, though Nothing Ear (2) offers more flexibility via its companion app. AirPods Pro (1st Gen) has some limited customization within the iOS Bluetooth settings.

Do they both have water resistance?
Yes, both earbuds have water resistance. The Nothing Ear (2) is rated IP54 for the earbuds and IP55 for the case, while AirPods Pro (1st Gen) is rated IPX4 for the earbuds only.

Is there a difference in Bluetooth versions?
Yes, Nothing Ear (2) uses Bluetooth 5.3, offering better efficiency and stability, while AirPods Pro (1st Gen) uses the older Bluetooth 5.0 standard.

Do both earbuds have in-ear detection?
Yes, both models come with in-ear detection sensors that pause playback when the earbuds are removed and resume when they are placed back in the ears.

Can both be used independently in mono mode?
Yes, both the Nothing Ear (2) and AirPods Pro (1st Gen) support mono mode, allowing either earbud to function independently for calls or media.

Is there app support for both models?
Yes, the Nothing Ear (2) is supported by the Nothing X app, which provides control customization, EQ settings, and firmware updates. AirPods Pro (1st Gen) doesn’t have a standalone app but is integrated into iOS settings.

Do both earbuds support fast charging?
Yes, both earbuds offer fast charging. Nothing Ear (2) can deliver up to 8 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging, while AirPods Pro (1st Gen) provides around 1 hour of use after 5 minutes in the case.