Editor’s note: this article was published on July 24, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro compared to the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)?

Samsung has clearly taken some design inspiration from Apple.

We’re not the first to say it and we won’t be the last – Samsung copied the design of Apple’s earbuds. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro take a lot of design inspiration from the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), while the regular Galaxy Buds3 take some cues from the regular Apple AirPods (3rd generation). Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and we aren’t complaining about the stem design of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, as it is a tried and true form factor. That said, Samsung didn’t quite master the design, given the fact they had to suspend shipments of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro due to quality control issues.

Assuming you don’t get a defunct unit, you will likely enjoy the design of the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro. We found the earbuds are comfortable to wear, and stay in place well. Similarly, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are very comfortable. Each Galaxy Buds3 Pro earbud weighs 5.4g, while each AirPods Pro earbud weighs 5.3g.

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro take a lot of design inspiration from the AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

When it comes to durability, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro have the edge. They are IP57 dust and water-resistant, superior to the IPX4 rating of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation). That said, the AirPods are still sweat-resistant enough to take with you to the gym.

Samsung took another page out of Apple’s playbook when it comes to controls. Just like with the AirPods, you can pinch the stem of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro to control music playback. You can also use voice controls for both the Samsung and Apple earbuds.

Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have more features?

The Samsung Wearable app enables a 9-band EQ, along with presets.

As expected, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro work best with Samsung phones, whereas the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) work best with iPhones. Both have a very comprehensive set of features, as long as you stay within the ecosystem.

You can adjust basic functions for the Galaxy Buds3 Pro right from within the Settings on your Galaxy device. With the addition of the Samsung Wearable app, you can access voice commands, adaptive noise control, AI translation services, 360 audio, Find My, and more. The app also provides an equalizer to adjust the sound of the earbuds, a feature you won’t find native to the AirPods.

The iPhone Settings app and Control Center are where you go to customize the listening experience.

There’s no separate app for the AirPods, as Apple bakes all the software functionality into the operating system. In the Settings app you’ll find an ear tip fit test, listening mode adjustments, and control customization. Open the Control Center on your device and you can access features like audio sharing and spatial audio. To find a lost AirPods earbud, head to the Find My app on your Apple device.

How do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) connect?

The earbuds share a very similar form factor.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro have Bluetooth 5.4 with support for SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec, and Samsung Seamless Codec. While you can pair the Galaxy Buds3 Pro to any device, you’ll need a relatively new Samsung device to take full advantage of the earbuds connectivity tech that is capable of streaming at up to 24bit/96kHz.

Similarly, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) work best with Apple devices. They have Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC and AAC, the latter of which works well with iOS devices. While Android supports AAC, its performance is historically variable on Android. The H2 chip inside the earbuds supports what Apple calls “high bandwidth connectivity,” suggesting that the sound quality is getting closer to lossless but isn’t quite there yet.

Is battery life better on the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)?

The charging port is located on the bottom of both.

According to our battery testing, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro last 4 hours and 31 minutes, whereas the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) last 5 hours and 43 minutes. We conduct our testing with noise canceling turned on, so you may experience longer battery life in different listening modes and with different volume levels. The shorter battery life of the Samsung earbuds means more frequent charge cycles, which shortens the life expectancy of the product. The case of both earbuds provides a few extra full charges.

You can charge the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro wirelessly or with a USB-C cable. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) support both of those charging methods, as well as the proprietary MagSafe and Apple Watch chargers.

Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) block noise better?

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have active noise canceling to block out external noise. According to our testing, both do a good job blocking out noise, but the AirPods have a slight edge. The ANC of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro struggles to block out low-frequency noise below 100Hz, as well as mid-range noise around 500Hz. This is disappointing considering how good the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro were at blocking out noise.

If you are interested in staying aware of your surroundings, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) each have a very capable transparency mode. Both sets of earbuds are also intelligent enough to listen for sounds like a passing siren.

Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro sound better than the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)?

Most people will enjoy the sound quality of both the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation). Out of the box, the Galaxy Buds  3 Pro have a strong emphasis on bass, but you can tame this down with the Clear EQ preset. While the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) don’t have a custom equalizer, they do have Adaptive EQ, which tailors the sound quality to the shape of your ears. This makes the AirPods the ideal choice for people who don’t want to tinker.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

The chart below shows how the sound of the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.

Both earbuds are projected to be crowd pleasers.

On a scale from 1-5, both earbuds score a 4.8 Overall. This is a very high score, and it means that most people will enjoy the default sound quality of the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation).

Objective Measurements

As you can see in the chart above, the default frequency response of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro emphasizes low and high frequencies more than the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). The AirPods have a more neutral sound that closely follows our headphone preference curve. That said, you can easily customize the sound quality of the Samsung earbuds using the equalizer in the Samsung Wearables app.

Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have a better microphone?

You can use both the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) for taking calls on the go. In quiet environments, both earbuds are equipped with microphones that reproduce the voice clearly. In our simulated noise tests, we found the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro do not reject background noise as well as the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). That said, performance will vary depending on what device you are connected to and what app you are using.

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro microphone demo (Office conditions):

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) microphone demo (Office conditions):

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Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro vs Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation): Price and availability

Similar design, similar price.

In yet a final statement of imitation, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro have the same starting price of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) of $250 USD. That said, since it has been a while since Apple updated it’s AirPods lineup, you are more likely to find the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) on sale than the Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

As of writing, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are on hold due to quality control issues, with the earbuds now set to hit shelves in late 2024.

Should you get the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)?

I’m sure you saw this coming, but your decision here should come down to the logo on the back of your smartphone. If you are tied to the Apple ecosystem, buy the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). If you are allegiant to Samsung, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro are a good option. If you have neither a Samsung or Apple smartphone, you should look at alternative options.

In terms of pure performance, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are very evenly matched. No matter which earbuds you go with, you will enjoy great sound quality, good noise canceling, and a plethora of intelligent features.

Frequently asked questions

What makes the Apple AirPods the best earbuds for most iPhone owners?

AirPods are very easy to use.

In short, all AirPods are great for iPhone owners. My mom, brother, and the whole family will tell you, “AirPods just work.” AirPods seamlessly switch between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and work within Apple’s advanced Find My network. When paired specifically to an iPhone, you also get personalized Spatial Audio and Audio Sharing, the latter of which lets you share your music with a friend.

Apple’s H1 and H2 chips power its AirPods and perform much of the heavy lifting that allows them to work without a hitch when connected to an Apple device. These proprietary chipsets make pairing instantaneous, let you speak to Siri hands-free, and maintain a reliable connection. Of course, there is a catch: these features are limited to Apple devices. When you buy the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), you also get the U1 chip baked into the case. This chip allows you to precisely locate the case, which emits a “chirp” sound when you need to find it.

As an iPhone owner, when you buy AirPods, you're paying for convenience.

As an iPhone and AirPods Pro (2nd generation) owner, my favorite perk from this iconic duo is power efficiency and battery optimization. Grossly simplified, the AirPods use less power when paired to an iPhone than an Android phone. Additionally, battery optimization manages your AirPods’ battery health, slowing overall degradation, and extending their lifecycle. After a couple of weeks, my iPhone learned my listening habits and only charges my AirPods to 80%, topping them off at 100% right before I use them.

Although I’ve been using the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) since their release, I get that they’re not for everyone. Let’s explore why an iPhone user might want to sniff out other wireless earbuds.

Why you shouldn’t get AirPods

The Nothing Ear (right) are OS-agnostic and fit my ears better than Apple’s.

AirPods are generally not a great value for your money. For instance, the Nothing Ear () wield a similar feature set and cost $100 less than the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). On top of that, Nothing’s buds include a powerful companion app that works on Android and Apple phones. Apple, on the other hand, locks you into the Apple ecosystem for complete control, and even then it’s lacking some basics. Nothing also supports Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair for instantaneous pairing across a wider range of devices than Apple’s one-touch pairing.

Audio enthusiasts will mostly stay away from the AirPods Max and AirPods earbuds because you can’t customize the sound (easily). Apple doesn’t let you adjust the EQ directly in its Settings app, forcing you to tweak it within your preferred music streaming app. Changing the settings in your streaming app means the changes only apply to that single app. Meanwhile, the Nothing X app hosts a multi-band EQ that lets you create a custom EQ profile and even share it with friends via QR code.

If you generally have a hard time getting earbuds to fit well, avoid the un-tipped AirPods (3rd generation).

Another con of AirPods is that they only stream over AAC. It is the highest-quality Bluetooth codec supported on iPhones, so this may not matter to Apple device owners, but many iPhone owners also use Windows machines for work (like I do). A Windows computer supports LDAC for higher audio quality than AAC as well as imperceptible lag. Certain Android phones also support LHDC, which delivers the highest streaming quality at up to 1Mbps (24 bit/192kHz) to compatible hardware like the Nothing Ear. While AAC is very good, some people want the highest bitrate, end of story, and you won’t get that from AirPods.

My last major gripe revolves around fit. While we’ve had good luck fitting the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods Max to our staff’s varying head and ear shapes, the untipped AirPods series has always given us trouble. Admittedly, Apple improved the fit stability with the AirPods (3rd generation), but even now, these open earbuds tend to shake loose from my ears and require constant readjustment. This is something you won’t find with other buds because many AirPods alternatives come with ear tips like the AirPods Pro line.

Apple doesn't allow listeners to directly customize the AirPods' sound profile.

I’m using the Nothing Ear as a case study, but you’ll find similar features and audio quality from sub-$100 earbuds too. A huge chunk of the AirPods’ price tags ($179, $249, or $549) goes toward convenience. Ultimately, you’re paying for the ease of having a decision made for you; Apple is telling customers that the AirPods are the best choice and the only choice worth considering. As we well know, that’s not true.

What are some of the best AirPods and AirPods Pro alternatives?

The Headphones Connect app lets you customize how the earbuds act in various situations.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 () are the best wireless earbuds for most people. At $299, the WF-1000XM5 carry a higher retail price than the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), but regular sales get the buds down to $229 – expensive but palatable. These active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds boast a better fit than the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods (3rd generation) due to their memory foam ear tips and ergonomic design. On the whole, the WF-1000XM5 block out even more noise than the AirPods Pro line, canceling out more low-frequency rumble than the AirPods Pro. On top of the active noise cancellation, Sony’s proprietary memory foam ear tips isolate you from midrange and upper frequencies (where ambient noise falls), effectively muting your environment.

Like the Nothing Ear, the WF-1000XM5 support LDAC for high-quality streaming with virtually no lag on Android and Windows devices. Sony’s Headphones Connect app provides extensive customization options that let you create personalized sound profiles and adjust controls to their preference. If you take phone calls, pick up Sony’s flagship buds. They cancel out almost all background noise while relaying your voice clearly. We can’t say the same about the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) mic quality, though it is very good.

You can toy with the smart case to control your earbuds in your phone’s place.

For an oddly practical twist, we suggest the JBL Live Beam 3 (). Unlike JBL’s competitors, the Live Beam 3 case has an integrated touch screen. Yes, I too was skeptical at first, but the smart case is really useful. Using the case’s touch screen means you hardly have to reach for your phone. Right from the case, you can control playback, cycle through ANC modes and EQ presets, locate your earbuds, and more. Similar to an Apple Watch, you can even personalize the case’s appearance with custom backgrounds.

The JBL Live Beam 3 have effective noise canceling that will quiet the sound of your office printer and morning train commute. Per our testing, the Live Beam 3’s sound quality is great for most listeners — though a bit bass-heavy for my tastes. Still, JBL makes it easy for people like me to de-emphasize the bass response through the mobile app, something that can’t be said of any AirPods. These retail for $199, but most JBL earbuds and headphones tend to go on sale for 25-40% off throughout the year. We expect the Live Beam 3 to follow suit.

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC delivers all the features most people need for only $100.

Budget listeners who love stemmed earbuds but don’t want to skimp on features should give the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC () a spin. These earbuds retail for $99, and we’ve seen them go for as little as $69. True to the Soundcore line, the Liberty 4 NC provide a great bang for your buck with ANC, high-quality Bluetooth codec support (SBC, AAC, and LDAC), and wireless charging.

Like the JBL Live Beam 3, most casual listeners will enjoy the bass-heavy frequency response from these buds. If extra bass isn’t your thing, the Anker app supports 22 EQ presets and an 8-band custom EQ for the audio cooks among us. Microphone quality isn’t anything to jump for joy here, but it’s good for cheap earbuds.

Should iPhone users buy AirPods in 2024?

There are plenty of great earbuds beyond Apple.

AirPods have set the standard for wireless earbuds by balancing convenience, sound quality, and features. But it isn’t 2017 anymore, and the wireless earbuds market has expanded rapidly over the past seven years. With competitors rapidly innovating and expanding their offerings, Apple’s crown may be slipping. While next-generation AirPods rumors have been circulating for months, the reality is that the current lineup hasn’t been updated in at least two years. Apple’s rivals have refined their products during the release gap. Now, you can find compelling alternatives with better sound quality, customizations, and often, for less than the competing AirPods model.

Ultimately, the best earbuds depend on your priorities and use case. If seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem is non-negotiable, AirPods may still make the most sense. However, if you want a more blended, balanced package that’s a better value, explore the increasing number of alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

If you’re invested in the Apple ecosystem, you’ll probably want to stick with a nice set of AirPods. Lucky for you, we’re celebrating Amazon Prime Day and Apple’s own headphones and earbuds couldn’t be left behind. All the best Apple AirPods are discounted today, and by quite a bit!

You can grab the Apple AirPods 3rd-gen for just $120, a 29% discount on the full $169 price point. If you want to upgrade to a nicer set of wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2nd-gen are going for $169, which is 32% off the $249 MSRP. Lastly, you can even get the mighty AirPods Max at a 28% discount, bringing the price down from $549 to just $395.

Get the 3rd-gen Apple AirPods for $120

Get the 2nd-gen Apple AirPods Pro for $169

Get the Apple AirPods Max for $395

Apple AirPods 3rd-gen

The base AirPods are for those who want all the functionality without the higher price tag. As such, you get less sound isolation and more basic sound quality. That said, these are still great earbuds, especially if you can find them at just $120, thanks to Amazon Prime Day. The 3rd-generation AirPods come with an H1 chip, an IPX4 rating, adaptive EQ, spatial audio support, and a great MagSafe case with wireless charging.

Like all other AirPods, you will enjoy features like auto-pausing when taking off the earbuds, or switching between Apple devices seamlessly. And battery life is pretty nice at over six hours, based on our internal testing. Learn more about these in our full Apple AirPods 3rd-gen review.

Apple AirPods Pro 2nd-gen

If you can afford a bit more on the Apple AirPods Pro, you’ll be rewarded with better sound isolation, thanks to the more sealed tip fit. You’ll also get active noise canceling, which has been improved thanks to the H2 chip. We also loved the adaptive transparency modes, as we mentioned in our AirPods Pro 2nd-gen review.

Of course, you also get a wireless charging case. Battery life is also pretty good, albeit a little worse than the base AirPods. We managed to get five hours and 43 minutes out of a single charge, based on our testing.

Apple AirPods Max

These are obviously the biggest, meanest, most capable AirPods. The Apple AirPods Max come with a gorgeous design and solid build quality. The active noise canceling is impressive, and competes only with the best ANC headphones out there. This headset is very comfortable, too. Not to mention, the sound quality is great, with no distortion to be heard.

While Apple claims these should last 20 hours on a single charge, the headphones surpassed these expectations in our internal tests. We got them to last closer to 21 hours! Our only main complaint with these is the price, but at $400, the price is a bit less painful. They are definitely worth it if you can afford it and use Apple products, though.

If you’re looking for more deals, you can always take a look at our Sound Guys deals hub. We update it daily, and you’re bound to find some great audio deals in there.

Editor’s note: this article was published on May 3, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Nothing Ear compared to the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)?

You get the earbuds, charging case, three ear tips, a USB-C charging cable, and nothing else.

Nothing seems to take some inspiration from Apple when it comes to earbud design, but I’m not complaining. The Nothing Ear earbuds share a similar shape and feel as the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) earbuds, and both are extremely comfortable to wear for hours at a time. Each AirPod weighs 5.3g, while each Nothing earbud only weighs 4.6g. You get four sizes of ear tips with the AirPods Pro, and three sizes of ear tips with the Nothing Ear.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) comes with ear tips, a USB cable, and a charging case.

When it comes to durability, the Nothing Ear and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are also evenly matched. For the Nothing Ear, the earbuds have an IP54 water and dust resistance rating, while the charging case has an IP55 rating. For the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation), both the earbuds and charging case have an IP54 rating.

How do you control the Nothing Ear and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)?

When it comes to controls, Nothing also takes a page out of Apple’s playbook. Both the Nothing Ear and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have pressure sensors on the stems. Squeezing the stem controls music playback, calls, and listening modes. The AirPods also support “Hey Siri” functionality and swipe controls for volume.

Nothing Ear controls

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) controls

Both earbuds have ear detection which automatically pauses your music when you take an earbud out, and resume playback when you put the earbuds back on.

Should you use the apps of the Nothing Ear and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)?

The Nothing X app provides great customization options for the Nothing Ear. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the advanced equalizer, which makes it easy to boost or attenuate specific frequencies. Nothing also partnered with Mimi Hearing on a hearing test feature that boosts frequencies that you may have trouble hearing otherwise. If you enjoy bass, you’ll appreciate the Bass Enhance setting, which dynamically analyzes and boosts low frequencies in real-time. You can also use the Nothing X app to install firmware updates, adjust noise canceling, and find your lost earbuds.

The iPhone Settings app and Control Center is where you go to customize the listening experience.

Apple takes a different approach to software functionality. Rather than a separate app, the AirPods controls are baked into the Apple ecosystem. If you have an Android phone, you won’t get access to any software features.

Most of the customization settings for AirPods are found within the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. This is where you can customize controls, adjust listening modes, and take an earbud fit test. You can access some other features such as spatial audio listening from the control center on your Apple device. To find a lost earbud, you can open the Find My app on your Apple device.

How do the Nothing Ear and AirPods Pro (2nd generation) connect?

You get more connection options with the Nothing Ear.

The Nothing Ear has Bluetooth 5.3, with extensive Bluetooth codec supporting included SBC, AAC, LHDC, and LDAC. This means that the Nothing Ear is capable of very high-quality streaming with a variety of Android phones. On the other hand, we experienced some connection stutters when using the earbuds with an iPhone.

When you first pair the AirPods Pro (2nd gen) to your iPhone, you’re met with a few pop-up cards.

As expected, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) works very well with Apple devices, and we haven’t experienced any connection stutters when using the earbuds with an iPhone. Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC and SBC means the AirPods work with an Android phone, but you don’t get as high-quality streaming as the Nothing Ear.

If you have a lot of Apple devices, you will appreciate the instant pairing process to all of your devices. Once you pair AirPods to your iPhone, you can also start using them on your Macbook. The Nothing Ear has a work-around by including Bluetooth multipoint support, so you can connect to multiple devices at the same time, although you will need to pair the earbuds to each device first.

Is battery life better on the Nothing Ear or Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)?

The USB-C input on the Nothing Ear supports fast charging.

In our battery testing, the Nothing Ear lasted 8 hours and 4 minutes of playback time on a single charge, whereas the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) only lasted 5 hours and 43 minutes. The charging case of both sets of earbuds provides a few extra charges, with the Nothing Ear capable of 40 hours of total use and the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) capable of up to 30 hours of total use.

You can charge either case wired over USB-C or wireless on a Qi charging mat. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) also support MagSafe and Apple Watch charging mats. The charging case of the Nothing Ear supports fast charging for 10 hours of playback time from only 10 minutes of charging. On the other hand, the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) earbuds support fast charging for 60 minutes of playback from 5 minutes of charging.

Do the Nothing Ear or Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) block noise better?

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have better active noise canceling than the Nothing Ear. If you plan on frequently wearing your earbuds in a noisy environment such as on a train or in an airplane, you will appreciate how much the AirPods Pro can silence the world around you. The ANC and passive isolation of the earbuds reduce most sounds by 30dB, which reduces the loudness of most noises by 83%.

While the Nothing Ear doesn’t have quite as strong noise canceling, it is still good enough for most environments. The passive isolation and ANC of these earbuds reduce the loudness of most sounds by 71%.

If you like to stay aware of your surroundings, you’ll be happy to know that both the Nothing Ear and Apple AirPods (2nd generation) have transparency modes that amplify the sounds around you. The Apple implementation is a bit better, with an Adaptive Transparency mode that limits the loudness of sharp sounds such as passing sirens to protect your ears.

Do the Nothing Ear sound better than the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)?

The sound quality of the Nothing Ear is very similar to the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation). The main differentiation between the two is in the ability to customize the sound.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

The chart below shows how the sound of the Nothing Ear and Apple AirPods Pro 2 was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.

Both sets of earbuds score exceptionally well according to a simulated panel of listeners. This means that most people will enjoy how the Nothing Ear and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) sound out of the box.

Reviewer’s notes

Editor’s note: this review uses a hover-enabled glossary to describe sound quality based on a consensus vocabulary. You can read about it here.

We enjoy the sound quality of both the Nothing Ear and the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation). Both earbuds have great detail and clarity, and most people will enjoy the balance between the lows, mids, and highs out of the box.

Which earbud you like the sound of more will probably come down to the sound features that they offer. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) has an Adaptive EQ, which tailors the sound to the shape of your ear canal. That said, there’s no native EQ support to adjust specific frequencies to your liking. Therefore, advanced users will probably prefer the customization afforded by the Nothing Ear. On the other hand, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have native head tracking and spatial audio support, whereas the Nothing Ear do not.

Objective Measurements

The chart above compares the frequency response of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and the Nothing Ear alongside the SoundGuys headphone preference curve. You’ll notice that the default frequency response of the Nothing Ear has more of an emphasis on low and high frequencies, with a dip in the mids around 500Hz. That said, you can easily adjust the sound of the Nothing Ear to your liking using the advanced equalizer.

Do the Nothing Ear or Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have a better microphone?

Both the Nothing Ear and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) both have very good microphones for taking calls on the go. Compared to most wireless earbuds, these microphones have great background noise rejection. In most environments, the person on the other end of the line shouldn’t have a problem understanding what you are saying.

Nothing Ear microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Nothing Ear microphone demo (Street conditions):

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) microphone demo (Street conditions):

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Nothing Ear vs Apple AirPods (2nd generation): Price and availability

The Nothing Ear is available now for . The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is available for . While the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are more expensive, you may be able to find them on sale since they are a few years older than the Nothing Ear.

Should you get the Nothing Ear or Apple AirPods (2nd generation)?

Apple users can’t go wrong with either choice.

If you are an Android user, then of course you should go for the Nothing Ear. For iPhone users, the choice is a bit more challenging.

Across the board, the Nothing Ear and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are both great wireless earbuds. If you are deep in the Apple ecosystem already and you don’t mind the higher price, I would still recommend the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation). On the other hand, if you are an audiophile that wants to fine tune the sound quality of their earbuds, or if you’re just looking for the best bang for your buck, then go with the Nothing Ear.

Frequently asked questions

It is worth pointing out that this article is a guide, not an iron law. Preferences vary from person to person, and we always recommend trying headphones before purchasing. If in doubt, consider reading reviews and getting recommendations from users with similar tastes in music. For our top picks of the best genre-specific headphones, skip to our rundown list. Otherwise, read ahead for more details.

Editor’s note: this article uses our hover-enabled glossary based on a consensus vocabulary. You can read about it here.

FAQs