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HearWiki

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Nothing Ear 1: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro 3 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro 3 - Outstanding overall at around $179.

Score breakdown

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

Apple AirPods Pro 3 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
  • Nothing Ear 1
HearWiki score
86
61
Sound
8.6
6.4
Noise cancelling
9.3
4.8
Battery
7.3
5.1
Calls
7.4
6.8
Value
8.3
-
Price (USD)
$180
$100

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

New platform

Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025) against Nothing Ear 1 (2022). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2 and ANC type Adaptive against Hybrid. It also adds Multipoint pairing and Water resistance IP57 against IPX4.

  • AirPods Pro 320253 yr newer
  • Ear 12022
What differsAirPods Pro 3Ear 1

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
ANC type
Adaptive
Hybrid

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
IPX4

Level on: Top codec, Wireless charging, USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode, Companion app.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Ear 1
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$100
HearWiki score
86
61
Released
2025
2022
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
11.6 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
11.6 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral
Impedance
-
32 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Battery life
8 h
5 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
4 h
Battery incl. case
-
34 h
Full charge time
-
10 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 8 h
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
hybrid
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
Google Assistant, Siri
Weight
5.5 g
4.7 g
Case weight
44 g
57.4 g
Water resistance
IP57
IPX4
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Pad material
-
silicone
Connector
-
USB-C
Model code
-
B181
Microphones
3
3
Microphone type
beamforming
-
Call noise reduction
-
Yes

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods Pro 3

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium true wireless earbuds that combine adaptive active noise cancellation with a comfortable, secure fit. They deliver clear calls, robust battery life, and a balanced sound profile, all wrapped in an IP57-rated design that handles water and dust. With Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connectivity, and wireless charging, they offer a polished experience for Apple and non-Apple users alike.

  • Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
  • Pro:Clear call quality with beamforming mics
  • Pro:Strong battery life of 8 hours with ANC on
  • Con:Fit may be tricky for some ears
  • Con:Premium price point
  • Con:Limited codec support (SBC, AAC only)

Nothing Ear 1

The Nothing Ear 1 offers a transparent design, hybrid ANC, and wireless charging at a budget-friendly price. While its sound is neutral and decent for the cost, it faces stiff competition from cheaper rivals with better battery life and latency, making its unique aesthetic its main draw.

  • Pro:Effective hybrid ANC for the price
  • Pro:Neutral, balanced sound signature
  • Pro:Supports wireless charging and USB-C
  • Con:Battery life is modest, especially with ANC on
  • Con:No multipoint or custom EQ
  • Con:Connectivity can be inconsistent

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

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New comparisonApple AirPods Pro 3Nothing Ear 1