Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) vs Nothing Ear (1)
The Verdict
Apple AirPods Max deliver premium over-ear comfort with dual H1 chips, computational audio, and spatial audio with head tracking, creating an immersive listening experience that justifies their $549 price point for Apple ecosystem users. Nothing Ear (1) offers exceptional value at $99, featuring active noise cancellation, IPX4 water resistance, and 24-hour total battery life with case, making them ideal for daily commuting and workouts. Sound quality favors AirPods Max's larger 40mm drivers and advanced processing, while Nothing Ear (1) excels in portability, durability, and affordability. Choose AirPods Max for premium audio and seamless Apple integration; select Nothing Ear (1) for practical, budget-conscious everyday listening.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) if…
- →Exceptional sound quality with rich, detailed, balanced audio
- →Best-in-class ANC that rivals top over-ear headphones
- →Spatial Audio with head tracking is immersive and seamless
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 Max (1st Gen)
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality with rich, detailed, balanced audio
- Best-in-class ANC that rivals top over-ear headphones
- Spatial Audio with head tracking is immersive and seamless
- Premium aluminium and steel build quality feels genuinely luxurious
- Seamless and instant switching within the Apple ecosystem
Cons
- Very heavy at 385 g — can cause fatigue during long listening sessions
- Lightning charging is outdated (1st gen)
- No Bluetooth multipoint and limited functionality outside Apple ecosystem
- No hard case included — soft Smart Case does not protect well
- Premium price is hard to justify over cheaper alternatives
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 Max (1st Gen) | Nothing Ear (1) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 385 g | 4.7 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (ANC and Spatial Audio on) | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) |
| Charging | Lightning | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 40 mm Apple-designed dynamic driver | 11.6mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Apple H1 chip per earcup (two chips total), Computational audio for dynamic EQ and ANC, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Seamless Apple device switching, Aluminum earcups and stainless steel headband, Smart Case | 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 | None | 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.
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