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HearWiki

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Nothing Ear (stick): 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 (stick)
HearWiki score
86
60
Sound
8.6
6.4
Noise cancelling
9.3
-
Battery
7.3
5.5
Calls
7.4
6.6
Value
8.3
-
Price (USD)
$180
$120

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 (stick) (2022). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2 and ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing, Wireless charging and Water resistance IP57 against IP54.

  • AirPods Pro 320253 yr newer
  • Ear (stick)2022
What differsAirPods Pro 3Ear (stick)

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Wireless charging
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
IP54

Level on: Top codec, USB-C, Wear detection.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Ear (stick)
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$120
HearWiki score
86
60
Released
2025
2022
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
12.6 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
12.6 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
8 h
7 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
-
Battery incl. case
-
29 h
Full charge time
-
55 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 2 h
Wireless charging
Yes
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
buttons
Voice assistant
Siri
-
Weight
5.5 g
4.4 g
Case weight
44 g
46.3 g
Water resistance
IP57
IP54
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
3
Microphone type
beamforming
-

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 (stick)

The Nothing Ear (stick) are lightweight, open-fit earbuds with a neutral sound signature and a subtle bass boost from later firmware updates. They offer solid battery life, comfortable wear, and a stylish design, but lack active noise cancellation and premium codec support. Overall, they are practical and good-value for everyday listening, though not exceptional in performance.

  • Pro:Comfortable and lightweight design
  • Pro:Solid battery life (7h, 29h with case)
  • Pro:Neutral sound with decent clarity
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No aptX or LDAC support
  • Con:Bass lacks depth at higher volumes

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 (stick)