Beats Powerbeats Pro vs Nothing Ear (1)
The Verdict
Beats Powerbeats Pro targets active users with secure ear hooks and Apple ecosystem integration via H1 chip, delivering 9-hour battery life and excellent reliability. Nothing Ear (1) offers compelling value at $99, featuring active noise cancellation with two modes, USB-C charging, and wireless Qi capability. Sound quality differs notably: Beats emphasizes bass through custom 12mm drivers optimized for workouts, while Nothing provides more balanced audio with customizable EQ. Battery performance heavily favors Beats with 9 hours versus Nothing's 4 hours (ANC on). However, Nothing's ANC implementation, transparency mode, and superior charging options provide more versatility. For fitness-focused users prioritizing security and Apple connectivity, Beats wins decisively. For budget-conscious listeners seeking ANC and modern conveniences, Nothing delivers exceptional value. Choose Beats if staying active matters most; select Nothing if affordable ANC and flexibility appeal more.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Powerbeats Pro if…
- →Ear hooks provide the most secure fit for intense workouts
- →H1 chip enables Hey Siri and fast Apple pairing
- →9-hour battery per charge is class-leading for sport earbuds
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
Beats Powerbeats Pro
Pros
- Ear hooks provide the most secure fit for intense workouts
- H1 chip enables Hey Siri and fast Apple pairing
- 9-hour battery per charge is class-leading for sport earbuds
- IPX4 handles sweat and rain during outdoor training
- Physical buttons are reliable — no accidental touch inputs
Cons
- Charging case is enormous compared to competitors
- Lightning charging port instead of USB-C
- No ANC at $249 is a tough sell against AirPods Pro
- Ear hooks make them impossible to use while lying on your side
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 | Beats Powerbeats Pro | Nothing Ear (1) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 20.3 g (pair) | 4.7 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 9 hrs (24 hrs total with case) | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) |
| Charging | Lightning, 5 min = 1.5 hrs (Fast Fuel) | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | Custom 12mm driver | 11.6mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Apple H1 chip with Hey Siri, Adjustable, secure-fit ear hooks, Volume and track controls on each earbud, Automatic play/pause with ear detection, 9-hour battery per charge | 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 | SBC, AAC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (Apple H1 chip) | 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 Beats products or all Nothing products. View full details for the Beats Powerbeats Pro or the Nothing Ear (1).