Apple AirPods 3rd Gen vs Nothing Ear (1)
The Verdict
Apple AirPods 3 prioritize seamless ecosystem integration and spatial audio, featuring Apple's custom driver, automatic device switching, and MagSafe charging at $169. Nothing Ear (1) undercuts significantly at $99, delivering genuine ANC with dual modes, better raw battery longevity with ANC off (5.7 hours vs 6 hours), and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. Sound quality favors Apple's tuning and spatial capabilities, while Nothing offers more customization via EQ controls. Battery performance splits the difference: Apple wins with ANC-free usage, Nothing excels with ANC enabled at 4 hours. For Apple ecosystem users valuing convenience and audio immersion, AirPods 3 justify the premium. Budget-conscious consumers or Android users seeking functional ANC should choose Nothing Ear (1), which delivers surprising competence at nearly half the price.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen if…
- →Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- →MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- →IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
Buy the Nothing Ear (1) if…
- →Iconic transparent design with unique aesthetic
- →ANC and wireless charging at just $99 is outstanding value
- →Comfortable and lightweight at 4.7 g per earbud
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 3rd Gen
Pros
- Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
- Comfortable open-ear design with shorter stems than AirPods 2
- Excellent microphone quality for calls
Cons
- No active noise cancellation at $169 price point
- Open design leaks sound and doesn't isolate ambient noise
- No ear tips — may not fit all ear shapes securely
- AAC-only codec limits audio quality on Android devices
Nothing Ear (1)
Pros
- Iconic transparent design with unique aesthetic
- ANC and wireless charging at just $99 is outstanding value
- Comfortable and lightweight at 4.7 g per earbud
- Squeeze gesture controls are intuitive and precise
- Qi wireless charging case adds convenience
Cons
- 4-hour ANC battery life is quite short
- No multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
- ANC is mild — doesn't match premium competitors
- Limited codec support — AAC and SBC only
- Transparent case shows dust and scratches easily
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 3rd Gen | Nothing Ear (1) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.28 g (each) | 4.7 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs (earbuds), 30 hrs total with case | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) |
| Charging | Lightning or MagSafe wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | Apple-designed driver with custom amplifier | 11.6mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, MagSafe and wireless charging case, Force sensor controls, Automatic device switching | Active Noise Cancellation with two modes (Light and Maximum), Transparency Mode, In-ear detection for auto play/pause, Nothing app with EQ customization, Squeeze gesture controls on stems |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Apple products or all Nothing products. View full details for the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen or the Nothing Ear (1).