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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs Nothing Ear (2): which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) - Great overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery7.5
Calls8.0
Value7.5
Nothing Ear (2)
Sound7.5
Noise cancelling7.0
Battery6.5
Calls7.0
Value8.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs Nothing Ear (2)
SpecApple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)Nothing Ear (2)
TypeTrue WirelessTrue Wireless
Price (USD)$120$150
HearWiki score84 / 100 · Great76 / 100 · Great
Released20222023
Audio
Driverdynamicdynamic
Driver size11 mm11.7 mm
Drivers per side11
Frequency response20 Hz - 20 kHz10 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance16 Ω-
Sensitivity100 dB/mW-
Wireless
Bluetooth5.35.3
CodecsSBC, AACSBC, AAC, LHDC 5.0
Multipoint pairingNoYes
Battery
Battery life-6.3 h
Battery life (ANC on)-4 h
Battery incl. case30 h36 h
Quick charge-10 min = 8 hours
Wireless chargingYesYes
Features
Active noise cancellingYesYes
ANC typeadaptiveadaptive
Transparency modeYesYes
Companion appYesYes
Custom EQNoYes
Wear detectionYesYes
Controlsbothtouch
Voice assistantSiri-
Design
Weight5.3 g4.5 g
Case weight50.8 g51.9 g
Water resistanceIP54IP54
FoldableNo-
Detachable cableNo-
USB-CYesYes
Calls
Microphones-6
Call noise reduction-Clear Voice Technology

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)

These wireless earbuds deliver strong active noise cancellation and a natural-sounding transparency mode, making them a solid pick for Apple users. With around 6 hours of playback per charge and a case that boosts total listening time to 30 hours, they offer dependable daily use. The IP54 rating adds some protection against sweat and splashes, while Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection for most devices.

  • Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
  • Pro:Natural transparency mode for ambient awareness
  • Pro:Decent battery life with case
  • Con:No multipoint connection
  • Con:Limited to AAC codec
  • Con:No custom EQ in app

Nothing Ear (2)

The Nothing Ear (2) are a feature-packed pair of true wireless earbuds that improve on their predecessor with better sound, battery life, and customization options. They offer a neutral sound signature, effective adaptive ANC, and a standout design, though they face stiff competition in the mid-range market and have a few practical quirks. Overall, they're a solid all-around choice for everyday listening and commuting, especially at their price point.

  • Pro:Neutral, well-balanced sound signature
  • Pro:Effective adaptive noise cancellation
  • Pro:Sleek, distinctive design with comfortable fit
  • Con:Battery life is only average compared to rivals
  • Con:Hi-res audio mode can be finicky in practice
  • Con:Multipoint connectivity sometimes unreliable

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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