Earbuds / Compare

Apple AirPods 1 vs Nothing Ear (2)

A

Product A: Apple

AirPods 1

61 of 166 known

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B

Product B: Nothing

Ear (2)

86 of 166 known

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All 166 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AApple AirPods 1

BNothing Ear (2)

General

7 of 8 differ

Series

AirPods1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026

Ear1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

A1523, A1722, A16022Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 5 October 2026A1523 and A1722 are the 2016 first-generation earbuds. A1602 is the original Lightning case with its status light inside. The separately sold 2019 Qi-compatible A1938 case is excluded.18Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/information/ma1770_airpods-info.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original leaflet Mexico model list gives A1523, A1722 and A1602, matching original Quick Start Guide and current maker identification page.

B1556Measurementsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-2-review-88883Read 10 October 2026Review spec table lists model number B155.

GTIN / EAN

Not available

6974434220720, 69744342206148Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2.jsRead 11 October 2026EU store product data: barcode 6974434220720 for Black and 6974434220614 for White. Both colours are priced at 149.00 EUR and show as unavailable on 2026-10-11.

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

7 September 20163Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-reinvents-the-wireless-headphones-with-airpodsRead 5 October 2026September 7, 2016 original announcement. Its planned late-October retail window was delayed and is not used as release_date.

22 March 20234Press articlegsmarena.com/nothing_ear_2_announced_with_improved_anc_lhdc_support_and_personalized_sound_profiles-news-57981.phpRead 11 October 2026Announced March 22, 2023.

Status

Discontinued19Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-pro-review-27106Read 7 October 2026AirPods earbud-model comparison table explicitly labels Apple AirPods (1st generation) discontinued in the Original price row.

Not available

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Apple AirPods 222Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2019/03/airpods-the-worlds-most-popular-wireless-headphones-are-getting-even-betterRead 10 October 2026March 20, 2019 release names the new model the second generation of AirPods. The catalog slug apple-airpods-2 is that model. Original AirPods were discontinued when it launched.

Nothing Ear9Reviewm.gsmarena.com/nothing_ear_and_ear_a_review-amp-62893.phpRead 23 October 2026GSMArena's review says the Nothing Ear replaces the Ear (2).

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$1594Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2016/12/apple-airpods-are-now-availableRead 5 October 2026Original December order-opening release states 159 USD for the earbuds with charging case. US price before local sales tax. December 13 orders preceded actual customer delivery and retail sales.

$1493Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 10 October 2026Nothing US store lists $149. The product shows as sold out, so this is the stored list price. GSMArena launch coverage also gives $149.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

€1491Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US4Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2016/12/apple-airpods-are-now-availableRead 5 October 2026US reference package. Release also names other countries, but this record does not enumerate unreviewed regional packages.

US, EU4Press articlegsmarena.com/nothing_ear_2_announced_with_improved_anc_lhdc_support_and_personalized_sound_profiles-news-57981.phpRead 11 October 2026Launch pricing is $149 and 149 EUR. Documented subset, not a worldwide availability claim.

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

White14Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-1st-generation-truly-wirelessRead 5 October 2026Exact review reference lists White AirPods (1st generation). Genuine photo comes from the exact Apple first-generation technical page.

Black, White1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Segment

Music3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-reinvents-the-wireless-headphones-with-airpodsRead 5 October 2026

Music1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Maker positions the model on sound quality, hi-res audio and noise cancellation. No sport, gaming, office or sleep positioning.

Design

2 of 4 differ

Form factoriIn-ear seals the ear canal with a tip. Semi-in-ear rests in the outer ear without a seal. Open-ear leaves the ear canal unobstructed.

Semi-in-ear14Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-1st-generation-truly-wirelessRead 5 October 2026Public exact-generation prose describes an open earbud fit and poor isolation. Catalog semi_in_ear means resting without a sealing tip. This is distinct from an electronic Transparency mode. Protected numeric lab results, hidden Bluetooth version and hidden battery measurements are omitted.

In-ear1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Bud shapeiStem describes an extending control or microphone stalk. Stemless describes a compact body without a stalk.

Stem15Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/apple-airpods-1Read 5 October 2026Original review describes the projecting stems. Its approximate 5-hour observation lacks a fixed volume, host, codec and firmware protocol, so no numeric measured runtime is stored.

Stem7Measurementrtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/nothing-ear-2-vs-beats-studio-buds-plus-true-wireless/38605/39443Read 10 October 2026Public RTINGS Controls text says the touch sensor is at the bottom of the stem. Maker page photos show the stem body.

Use one bud aloneiWhich earbud can operate alone. This does not mean two earbuds can play from different sources.

Either bud1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 20267Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 5 October 2026Either earbud can act as microphone when used alone. This does not mean two buds can play from different sources.

Not available

RGB lighting

Not available

Not available

Drivers and sound

7 of 17 differ

Drivers per budiAudio transducers in one earbud. Rows distinguish their type, acoustic role and published diameter. Do not count microphones.

AApple AirPods 1

Not available

BNothing Ear (2)

Type	Diameter (mm)	Count per earbud
Dynamic	11.6	1

Source1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Technical details: 11.6 mm dynamic driver, one per earbud.

Driver typeiPublished transducer technology. High-excursion, composite and neodymium do not by themselves establish a driver type.

Dynamic15Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/apple-airpods-1Read 5 October 2026Exact first-generation Technical Specifications explicitly gives dynamic transducer principle. Driver count, acoustic role and diameter are unstated. The optional drivers table is omitted because an uncounted row would derive an unsupported count of one.

Dynamic1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Driver sizeiLargest explicitly published circular driver diameter in one earbud. A rectangular driver width is not a diameter.

Not available

11.6mm=CalculatedFrom Drivers per bud

Drivers per budiTotal audio transducers in one earbud, summed from explicit driver quantities. A row with an unknown quantity makes the total unknown.

Not available

1=CalculatedFrom Drivers per bud

Diaphragm material

Not available

Graphene + PU (Polyurethane)1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Technical details: Diaphragm Graphene + PU (Polyurethane).

Frequency responseiPublished acoustic frequency response of the earbuds. Codec transmission bandwidth alone does not qualify. Conditions belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Impedance

Not available

Not available

SensitivityiPublished acoustic sensitivity. The electrical reference and frequency must be stated in sensitivity_reference or the source note.

Not available

Not available

Sensitivity reference

Not available

Not available

Max sample rateiHighest supported audio sample rate under the codec and source-device conditions in the source note. This does not establish lossless playback.

Not available

192kHz1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Hi-Res Audio section: frequencies up to 24bit/192 kHz and playback up to 1 Mbps with LHDC 5.0. Needs an LHDC-capable source.

Max bit depthiHighest supported audio bit depth under the codec and source-device conditions in the source note. Bluetooth version alone does not establish this.

Not available

24bits1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Hi-Res Audio section: 24bit/192 kHz with LHDC 5.0. Needs an LHDC-capable source.

Adaptive EQiAn inner mic tunes the sound to your ear in real time

Not available

Not available

Personalised soundiA profile from a hearing test or ear scan

Not available

Yes1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Onboard EQ

Not available

Not available

Custom EQ bandsiNumber of independently adjustable custom equalizer frequency bands. Availability may require current firmware, an app or a compatible device.

Not available

Not available

EQ presetsiNamed equalizer sound presets. Noise-control modes and spatial-audio modes are separate features.

Not available

Not available

Volume limit

Not available

Not available

Spatial audio

1 of 2 differ

Spatial audioiNamed spatial or surround audio processing supported with the source and platform conditions stated in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Head trackingiSpatial audio changes with head movement. Static spatial processing alone does not qualify. Compatible device or content requirements belong in the source note.

No11Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-sg/guide/airpods/dev00eb7e0a3/webRead 5 October 2026Current eligibility explicitly names AirPods 3 and later, Pro and Max. Original AirPods 1 is excluded. No personalized spatial-audio profile inferred.

Not available

Noise cancelling

6 of 11 differ

Active noise cancelling

No16Reviewtime.com/4608030/apple-airpods-review-2016Read 5 October 2026Original December 20, 2016 review audio-quality section explicitly says these are not noise-cancelling headphones. Call noise filtering is separate from listening ANC. No subjective surrounding-noise statement converted into measured attenuation.

Yes1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

ANC typeiFeedforward uses exterior microphones. Feedback uses interior microphones. Hybrid uses both. Adaptive control is separate from microphone placement.

Not available

Not available

ANC microphones in both earbudsiPhysical microphones used by ANC across the pair. A shared call and ANC microphone counts once. Case microphones and vibration sensors are excluded.

Not available

Not available

Adaptive ANCiANC strength or calibration adjusts automatically to noise, fit or ear acoustics. The source note states the adjustment conditions.

Not available

Yes1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Adaptive Mode detects distractions in the environment. The footnote lists four modes: High, Mid, Low and Adaptive, from 15 dB to 40 dB.

ANC levelsiNumber of selectable ANC strength levels. Excludes ANC off, transparency and activity profiles unless they explicitly set distinct strength levels.

Not available

31Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Page says to switch between three levels of ANC or let the earbuds take control. Footnote lists High, Mid and Low plus Adaptive.

ANC attenuation (claimed)iManufacturer maximum claimed noise attenuation. Frequency and measurement conditions belong in the source note. This is not reviewer-measured overall attenuation.

Not available

40dB1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Up to 40 dB. The footnote gives a range from 15 dB to 40 dB across the four modes.

Transparency mode

Not available

Yes1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Adjustable transparency

Not available

Not available

Automatic ANC and transparency blendiAutomatically blends active cancellation with ambient sound. Automatic activity-based switching between separate modes alone does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Conversation detection

Not available

Not available

Wind noise reductioniA documented physical design or processing feature for reducing wind noise. The source note distinguishes mesh or shape changes from selectable processing.

Not available

Yes4Press articlegsmarena.com/nothing_ear_2_announced_with_improved_anc_lhdc_support_and_personalized_sound_profiles-news-57981.phpRead 11 October 2026Launch coverage: voice pickup is reworked with improved wind-proofing. The mechanism, mesh or processing, is not stated.

Measured

4 of 23 differ

Frequency response notes (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

RTINGS, Balanced EQ preset: fairly neutral. Its graph shows less bass than is audible because of a fitting issue on the test rig. Underemphasised mid-mid and bright, clear sibilants. SoundGuys, default tuning: about 10 dB above its preference curve around 5 kHz, a scooped 400 Hz to 1 kHz range and mildly exaggerated bass and sub-bass.6Measurementsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-2-review-88883Read 10 October 2026SoundGuys measured the default tuning with its preference curve: about 10 dB louder around 5 kHz, scooped between 400 Hz and 1 kHz, mildly exaggerated bass and sub-bass.7Measurementrtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/nothing-ear-2-vs-beats-studio-buds-plus-true-wireless/38605/39443Read 10 October 2026Public RTINGS Sound Profile text for the Ear (2). It tested the Balanced EQ preset. Numeric bass and treble amounts are locked, so they are not stored.

Bass amount (measured)iDeviation from the review source target in the bass range. Positive means more bass. Target, test method and settings belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Treble amount (measured)iDeviation from the review source target in the treble range. Positive means more treble. Values from different targets may not be directly comparable.

Not available

Not available

Deviation from target (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Consistency between fittings (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Harmonic distortion (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Sound leakage (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Noise isolation (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Noise isolation, best (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Passive isolation (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Call quality notes (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Voice is present and understandable but very thin and distorted. Noise handling is good in moderately noisy places, with slightly affected vocal quality in loud noises.7Measurementrtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/nothing-ear-2-vs-beats-studio-buds-plus-true-wireless/38605/39443Read 10 October 2026Public RTINGS Recording Quality and Noise Handling text.

Mic low-frequency extension (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Mic high-frequency extension (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Mic speech-to-noise ratio (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Latency (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Bluetooth latency, worst (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

2.4 GHz latency, worst (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Latency in game mode (measured)iThe best case the buds can reach. Measured by a reviewer

Not available

Not available

Battery life (measured)iReviewer-tested operation from one full charge of the earbuds. Excludes case recharges. ANC, codec, connection, volume and tested edition belong in the row or source note.

AApple AirPods 1

ANC	Hours (h)
No	3.5

Source19Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-pro-review-27106Read 7 October 2026Battery life (75dB SPL) row, exact first-generation column, explicitly 3.5 hours. Earbuds-only full-charge objective playback at 75 dB SPL. Rounded source value retained. Host, codec and firmware are unstated for this original result and remain unknown. ANC false is exact hardware absence. No later second-generation 4 h 7 min or Android 3 h 29 min result imported.

BNothing Ear (2)

ANC	Hours (h)
Not available	5.6
Yes	6.12

Source6Measurementsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-2-review-88883Read 10 October 20266 hours 7 minutes with ANC on at SoundGuys standardized conditions: continuous playback at 75 dB(SPL) until the battery drains. Firmware 1.0.1.85, Nothing X 2.2.0.7Measurementrtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/nothing-ear-2-vs-beats-studio-buds-plus-true-wireless/38605/39443Read 10 October 2026Public RTINGS review text: the maker advertises 6.3 hours and RTINGS measured 5.6 hours. ANC state, codec and volume are not stated for the measurement. The numeric result block on the page is locked.

Longest tested use per chargeiHighest earbuds-only duration among stored reviewer tests. Modes and settings may differ between tests and products.

3.5h=CalculatedFrom Battery life (measured)

6.12h=CalculatedFrom Battery life (measured)

Battery life with case (measured)iReviewer-tested total including earbuds and case recharges. Do not calculate this by multiplying one-charge runtime by claimed recharge count.

Not available

Not available

Full charge time (measured)iBuds in the case, 0 to 100 %. Measured by a reviewer

Not available

Not available

Weight per bud (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Microphones and calls

3 of 7 differ

Voice microphones in both earbudsiPhysical call and beamforming microphones across the pair. Excludes case microphones and vibration sensors. Shared ANC microphones can also count here when used for calls.

41Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026Sensors (each) explicitly gives two beamforming microphones per earbud. The overview assigns them to calls and Siri. Four physical call microphones across the pair, also four total. Speech-detecting accelerometers are separate sensors and are not proof of bone-conduction hardware.

61Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Features: Clear Voice Technology with 3 mics per bud. Comparison table: 3 microphones in each bud.

All microphones in both earbudsiEvery physical microphone across the pair, including call and ANC microphones. Shared microphones count once. Excludes the charging case and voice vibration sensors.

41Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026

61Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Comparison table: 3 microphones in each bud, 6 across the pair.

Bone conduction voice sensoriA dedicated bone or jaw conduction sensor for detecting speech vibrations. A microphone or speech-detecting accelerometer alone does not prove this architecture.

Not available

Not available

Mic noise reduction

Not available

DSP1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Footnote: Clear Voice Technology reduces ambient noise for the microphone during calls and voice recording. The comparison table claims 3 dB higher noise elimination than Ear (1). No AI claim is made.

Call audio bandwidthiHighest supported call-audio bandwidth. Compatible phone, operating system, call app or network requirements belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Mic mute controliAn earbud control that mutes the microphone during calls. Includes touch or pressure gestures and physical buttons. Phone/app-only controls do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

SidetoneiHear your own voice in calls

Not available

Not available

Connectivity

9 of 18 differ

Chip

W11Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026

Not available

Connections

Bluetooth6Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1769_airpods-quickstart.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Bluetooth1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Bluetooth

4.219Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-pro-review-27106Read 7 October 2026Bluetooth row, exact Apple AirPods (1st generation) column, explicitly Bluetooth 4.2. Maker technical page states Bluetooth without version. Not H1 / 5.0 from AirPods 2.

5.31Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Bluetooth codecs

SBC, AAC19Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-pro-review-27106Read 7 October 2026Bluetooth row in exact first-generation column explicitly SBC and AAC. Not inferred from maker AAC test files.

SBC, AAC, LHDC1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Page lists AAC, SBC and LHDC. Footnote names LHDC 5.0 up to 1 Mbps.

Bluetooth profiles

Not available

BLE, SPP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Connectivity section: BLE, SPP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP.

LE Audio

Not available

Not available

Auracast

Not available

Not available

MultipointiConcurrent Bluetooth connections to multiple source devices. Pairing memory and switching through a manufacturer account alone do not qualify.

No20Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-pro-vs-airpods-2nd-generation-27213Read 7 October 2026FAQ Do the AirPods connect to multiple devices explicitly says none of the Apple AirPods support Bluetooth multipoint. Applies to original family, distinct from paired-account setup and later automatic routing. No concurrent-source count inferred.

Yes1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Multipoint devicesiMaximum source devices concurrently connected by Bluetooth, not the number remembered in pairing history.

Not available

21Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Dual Connection: seamlessly pair to and switch between two devices.

Multipoint with LDACiMany buds turn multipoint off on LDAC

Not available

Not available

Paired devices rememberediMaximum remembered Bluetooth source pairings. This is separate from simultaneous multipoint connections.

Not available

Not available

Automatic switching between own devicesiThrough the maker's account

No8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108786Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly restricts automatic switching to AirPods 2 and later and AirPods Pro. Original W1 account setup and manual host selection do not qualify.

Not available

Fast pairing

Apple one-tap setup6Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1769_airpods-quickstart.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 4 opens case near unlocked iPhone with iOS 10 or later and follows the onscreen connection prompt. Page 6 requires selecting AirPods in Control Center or the macOS menu. That account setup is separate from automatic audio routing.

Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Audio sharingiShare one stream with a second pair

Yes9Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/aside/iph9b2d76d2f/27/web/27Read 5 October 2026Current complete maker compatibility list explicitly includes all AirPods models. Compatible iPhone or iPad and another supported pair required. This shares one source to two pairs, not generic multipoint.

Not available

Wireless range (claimed)

Not available

Not available

Wireless receiveri2.4 GHz dongle

Not available

Not available

Receiver connector

Not available

Not available

Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audioiBoth connection types can play audio together. Quick switching between independent modes does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Latency

3 of 3 differ

Low latency mode

Not available

Yes1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Claimed latency

AApple AirPods 1

Not available

BNothing Ear (2)

Connection	Mode	Latency (ms)
Bluetooth	Game mode with a Nothing phone	120

Source1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Footnote: latency can be reduced to as low as 120 ms when paired with Nothing phone devices with Game mode turned on.

Lowest claimed latency

Not available

120ms=CalculatedFrom Claimed latency

Compatibility

3 of 4 differ

PlatformsiPlatforms with documented audio support. App availability and advanced features can be more limited. Edition-specific support is listed in variants.

iOS, macOS, Android8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108786Read 5 October 2026

Android, iOS1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Connection per platformiDocumented audio connection for each platform. USB-C phone routes require a compatible port. Platform edition and microphone restrictions belong in source notes or feature requirements.

AApple AirPods 1

Platform	Connection	Microphone works
iOS	Bluetooth	Not available
macOS	Bluetooth	Not available
Android	Bluetooth	Yes

Source8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108786Read 5 October 2026Mac and Android setup sections read. Non-Apple Bluetooth headset support explicitly permits listening and talking. Siri and Apple account features do not operate on Android. No console route inferred.

BNothing Ear (2)

Not available

Features that need a specific deviceiDevice, operating system, firmware, codec, content, account or region requirements for a named feature.

AApple AirPods 1

Feature	Needs
Apple account setup	Same Apple Account and compatible iOS, watchOS or macOS host. One-tap setup does not provide AirPods 2 automatic audio routing.
Audio Sharing	Compatible iPhone or iPad and a second supported Apple or Beats pair. Current software feature, separate from the 2016 launch guide.
Double-tap remapping	Compatible Apple host settings. Independent left/right next-track and previous-track options were added with iOS 11.

Source4Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2016/12/apple-airpods-are-now-availableRead 5 October 202615Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/apple-airpods-1Read 5 October 2026

BNothing Ear (2)

Feature	Needs
Low latency	Latency as low as 120 ms when paired with Nothing phone devices with Game mode turned on. Low Lag Mode is listed for Nothing X and Phone (1).
LHDC 5.0 high-resolution streaming	Both Bluetooth devices must support the LHDC transmission protocol.
Dual Connection	Must be enabled on the phone. Nothing OS 1.1.4 or higher sets it up in Bluetooth settings. Other Android 6.0 or higher and iOS devices use the Nothing X app. Some laptops can have longer sound switching time.
Custom gestures, Personal Sound Profile, Personalised ANC and in-ear detection	Turned on with a phone. Nothing OS 1.1.4 or higher uses Bluetooth settings. Other Android 6.0 or higher and iOS devices use the Nothing X app.
Google Fast Pair	Android 6.0 Marshmallow or higher, or Google Play services 11.7 or higher.

Source1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Official licence

Not available

Not available

Battery and charging

13 of 13 differ

Battery per budiBattery cell capacity of one earbud. The source note states typical or rated capacity. Charging input current is not capacity.

Not available

33mAh1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Technical details: 33 mAh (buds). Page does not say typical or rated.

User-replaceable earbud batteryiThe maker documents normal battery replacement by the user with its approved procedure and tools. Service or recycling disassembly does not count.

No18Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/information/ma1770_airpods-info.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original 2016 safety leaflet, Batteries section, English page 1: "Don't attempt to replace AirPod or case batteries yourself". The maker documents no user replacement procedure. iFixit teardown scores repairability 0 of 10 and shows spot-welded earbud cells.

Not available

Claimed battery lifeiManufacturer maximum runtime under the stated mode, codec and spatial processing state. Name the spatial or immersive processing mode and other conditions in source notes. Omit unspecified settings. with_case false means one charge of the earbuds. true means earbuds plus case recharges.

AApple AirPods 1

Mode	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC off	No	5
ANC off	Yes	24

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026Up to 5 hours per earbud charge. More than 24 hours including case recharges is stored as a lower bound of 24. August 2016 preproduction test with preproduction iPhone 7 at 50 percent volume ends at the first earbud stopping. Case test repeats 30-minute recharges until empty. The 358-track AAC playlist describes files, not the Bluetooth codec.

BNothing Ear (2)

Mode	Codec	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC off	AAC	No	6.3
ANC on	Not available	No	4
ANC off	AAC	Yes	36
ANC on	Not available	Yes	22.5
Call	Not available	No	3.5
Call	Not available	Yes	20.5

Source1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Technical details: ANC off up to 36 hours with case and 6.3 hours buds only. ANC on up to 22.5 hours with case and 4 hours buds only. Talk time ANC off up to 20.5 hours with case and 3.5 hours buds only. Footnote test: ANC off, 50 percent volume, AAC, other settings default, Nothing Power 45 W adapter, 25 C. Only the codec of the ANC-off rows is stated. The ANC-on talk time rows (3 and 17.5 hours) are not stored because the call mode cannot hold an ANC state.

Longest claimed use per chargeiHighest earbuds-only runtime among all stored modes. This can be ANC off, Hearing Aid, heart-rate or call use. Read the battery table and source conditions.

5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

6.3h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Playback per charge with ANC (claimed)iHighest claimed earbuds-only playback with ANC enabled. Codec and spatial-audio conditions belong in the source note.

Not available

4h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Playback per charge without ANC (claimed)iHighest claimed earbuds-only playback with ANC disabled. Codec and volume conditions belong in the source note.

5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

6.3h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Total with case (claimed)iHighest claimed runtime including the initial earbud charge and all case recharges. It is not the case recharge runtime alone.

24h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

36h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Total with case and ANC (claimed)iClaimed total playback with ANC, including the initial earbud charge and case recharges.

Not available

22.5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Talk time (claimed)

Not available

3.5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Full charge time, budsiTime to charge discharged earbuds to full in the case. Excludes charging the case itself or a combined buds-and-case result.

Not available

80min1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Footnote: without plugging in the case, the earbuds charge inside the case in 80 minutes.

Charging guidanceiPublished charging guidance or estimates that do not separate earbuds and case. Preserve the maker’s component scope and limits. Do not assign an unspecified or combined estimate to a component-specific numeric field.

Not available

With the earbuds inside the case and the case connected by USB-C, the earbuds and case charge from 0 to 100 percent in 90 minutes. Nothing states this figure for the combined charge and does not give a separate case-only time.1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Quick charge timeiCharge duration corresponding to quick_charge_playback_h. Source note states earbuds-only or case-inclusive charging and playback settings.

15min1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026

10min1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Footnote: a single 10-minute charge of the earbuds themselves gives 1 hour 48 minutes of playtime (ANC off, 50 percent volume, AAC).

Earbud playback after quick chargeiEarbuds-only runtime after quick_charge_min of charging. A claimed case-inclusive total does not qualify. ANC, codec and volume conditions belong in the source note.

3h1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026Drained earbuds charged in their case for 15 minutes, then played until the first earbud stopped. Same August 2016 iPhone 7 and 50 percent volume test. Three hours is earbud playback after charging, not total case runtime.

1.8h1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Footnote: 1 hour 48 minutes equals 1.8 hours, earbuds only. The headline 8 hours after 10 minutes includes the case and is not stored here.

Charging case

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Case batteryiCharging-case battery cell capacity. The source note distinguishes typical, rated and output capacity. USB output capacity alone does not qualify.

398mAh12Reviewifixit.com/Teardown/AirPods+Teardown/75578Read 5 October 2026Exact December 2016 A1602 teardown. Case cover prints 398 mAh and exposed case cell image visibly prints 398 mAh, 3.81 V and 1.52 Wh. Printed nominal capacity, not output capacity. Earbud 93 mWh is not converted to mAh. The teardown FCC prose omits A in one identifier, so FCC IDs are not copied.

485mAh1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Technical details: 485 mAh (case). Page does not say typical or rated.

User-replaceable case batteryiThe maker documents normal case battery replacement by the user with its approved procedure and tools. Service or recycling disassembly does not count.

No18Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/information/ma1770_airpods-info.pdfRead 5 October 2026Same Batteries section covers the case battery. The leaflet Battery Disposal Information says the lithium-ion batteries in the AirPods and case should be recycled by Apple or an authorized service provider.

Not available

Case charging port

Lightning1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026

USB-C1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Case full charge timeiBy cable, 0 to 100 %. A time the maker gives with the earbuds inside the case counts, and the source note says so.

Not available

Not available

Wireless charging

No2Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 5 October 2026Reference A1602 case is wired only. Maker identifies the later A1938 as the Wireless Charging Case. Exact original review separately describes the wireless case as a later accessory.15Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/apple-airpods-1Read 5 October 2026Original case charges through Lightning. September 2017 update describes the Qi case as an announced future accessory. That later case is excluded from this reference.

Yes1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Wireless standardsiDocumented case charging standards or supported chargers. Magnetic alignment alone does not establish Qi2 certification.

Not available

Qi1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Wireless charging poweriHighest wireless charging input the maker states for the case. The output of a charging pad does not count.

Not available

2.5W1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Qi certified up to 2.5 W.

Speaker in caseiAn audio speaker physically in the charging case, for locating or status sounds. A microphone in the case is separate.

Not available

Not available

Screen on case

Not available

Not available

Case works as audio transmitteriCase relays external source audio through USB or an analog audio input. A case microphone for recording or calls does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Controls

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ControlsiPressure is a force sensor that does not move, such as a stem you squeeze. Button is a key that moves when pressed.

Touch, Voice commands6Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1769_airpods-quickstart.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 8 double-taps above either stem to activate Siri or answer a call. Case setup button is a pairing control, not earbud playback control.

Pressure1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Press controls with a force sensor on the stem.

Earbud volume controliHow earbud controls adjust volume, including a voice command if supported. Phone or app controls alone do not qualify.

Voice1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 20263Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-reinvents-the-wireless-headphones-with-airpodsRead 5 October 2026Siri adjusts volume after a double tap. Hands-free Hey Siri, physical volume buttons and stem swipes are not supported by this original hardware.

Pressure1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Customisable press gestures can set volume up and volume down.

Gestures

Double tap6Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1769_airpods-quickstart.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Single press: play or pause, answer or hang up calls, Double press: skip forward, reject calls, Triple press: skip back, Press and hold: switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Press controls list in technical details.

Remappable controls

Yes7Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 5 October 2026Current guide explicitly includes AirPods 1 double-tap remapping. Settings require a compatible Apple host. No later stem press, mute or camera gesture inherited.15Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/apple-airpods-1Read 5 October 2026September 22, 2017 update reports independent left/right Siri, play/pause, next, previous and disabled actions added with iOS 11. Original launch controls were more limited.

Yes1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Footnote: customisable gestures on double press, triple press, long press and double press with long press. Customisable functions are volume up, volume down, voice assistant and switching noise cancellation modes.

Voice assistant

Siri6Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1769_airpods-quickstart.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Not available

Sensors and health

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In-ear detection

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 20267Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 5 October 2026Automatic ear detection pauses playback on removal and resumes on reinsertion. Host and app behavior can differ.

Yes1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Features: in-ear detection. The manual excerpt says removing a bud pauses music.

Sensors

Dual optical sensors, Motion-detecting accelerometer, Speech-detecting accelerometer1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026

Force sensor1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026The control description names a force sensor on the stem for press controls. In-ear detection is listed but its sensor type is not named.

Heart rate sensor

Not available

Not available

Skin temperature sensingiA documented skin temperature sensor. This is separate from the operating temperature range or a heart-rate sensor.

Not available

Not available

Hearing aid featureiAmplification for mild to moderate hearing loss

Not available

Not available

Medical clearances

Not available

Not available

Hearing testiA documented hearing assessment feature, including consumer sound-personalization tests. Medical diagnostic clearance must be stated separately.

Not available

Yes1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Personal Sound Profile: create a hearing ID with the Personalised Sound test in the Nothing X app. Algorithms analyse sensitivity to different frequencies. Not a medical test.

Hearing protectioniLimits sudden loud sounds

Not available

Not available

Health features

Not available

Not available

Fit and durability

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Ear tips includediTip sizes supplied with the product, including the pair fitted to the earbuds. Do not list separately sold sizes as included.

Not available

S, M, L1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026In the box: ear tips in size S, M, L.

Ear tip materials

Not available

Silicone6Measurementsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-2-review-88883Read 10 October 2026Review: three sets of oblong-shaped silicone ear tips.

StabilisersiPhysical stabilizing fittings or structures. Stability bands are separate from fins, wings and ear hooks.

Not available

None6Measurementsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-2-review-88883Read 10 October 2026Review: the Ear (2) lacks hooks or stabilizers.

Ear tip fit test

Not available

Yes1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Nothing X app: Ear Tip Fit Test.

Dust and water rating, buds

Not available

IP541Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026IP54 buds, tested under IEC 60529.

Dust and water rating, case

Not available

IP551Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026IP55 case.

Water resistance depth

Not available

Not available

Software

4 of 6 differ

Companion app

Not available

Nothing X1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Nothing X app. Android and iOS download is named in the footnote.

App platforms

Not available

Android, iOS1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 20266Measurementsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-2-review-88883Read 10 October 2026Review: the Nothing X app works whether the phone uses Android or iOS.

User firmware updates

Yes13Press articlemacrumors.com/2017/02/01/apple-quietly-updates-airpodsRead 5 October 2026Contemporaneous first-generation firmware update from 3.3.1 to 3.5.1, installed automatically in the case near a connected iOS device. This proves the update route without a promise of future releases or an inferred current version.

Yes1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Footnote: firmware updates change the actions. The Nothing X notes list Software updates.5Press releasenothing.community/d/1428-ear-2-black-nothing-x-advanced-equaliser-and-all-new-noise-reductionRead 10 October 2026Nothing X software update notes list Ear (2) firmware 1.0.1.101 and say to use Device Settings > Firmware Update.

Finding network

Last location in the app10Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-am/guide/airpods/dev8e8b93d71/webRead 5 October 2026All AirPods can appear in Find My, but the explicit offline network list excludes AirPods 1. Its app reports the last connected time and place when offline.

Not available

Precision findingiUWB in the case

No10Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-am/guide/airpods/dev8e8b93d71/webRead 5 October 2026Guide assigns precise UWB case finding to AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3. No UWB case finding on A1602.

Not available

Live translation

Not available

Not available

Dimensions and weight

4 of 4 differ

Weight per budiMass of one earbud. Tip size and approximate values belong in the source note. Do not store pair or case-inclusive mass.

4g(0.1 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026

4.5g(0.2 oz)1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Ear bud weight 4.5 g.

Bud dimensionsiDimensions of one earbud on the explicitly identified width, height and depth axes. An unlabeled tuple cannot establish those axes.

Width16.5Height40.5Depth18mm(0.6 × 1.6 × 0.7 in)21Spec databaseproductindetail.com/ps/apple-airpods-1st-generationRead 7 October 2026Design and dimensions table, exact first-generation earbuds: Height 4.05 cm, Width 1.65 cm, Depth 1.8 cm. Exact cm-to-mm conversion. Values match unlabelled maker 16.5 by 18.0 by 40.5 mm tuple. Named axes come from spec database, not visual guessing. Case tuple lacks axis labels and remains omitted.

Width21.5Height29.4Depth23.5mm(0.8 × 1.2 × 0.9 in)1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Ear bud: height 29.4 mm, width 21.5 mm, depth 23.5 mm.

Case weightiCharging case mass excluding earbuds. Case-inclusive product mass does not qualify unless the source explicitly gives the empty-case figure.

38g(1.3 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026Maker Weight section separately lists one earbud at 4 g and the charging case at 38 g. Case mass excludes earbuds, not a 38 g package total.

51.9g(1.8 oz)1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Case weight 51.9 g.

Case dimensionsiCharging-case width, height and depth on explicitly identified source axes. Report conflicting axis labels rather than reorder a tuple by appearance.

Not available

Width55.5Height55.5Depth22mm(2.2 × 2.2 × 0.9 in)1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Case: height 55.5 mm, width 55.5 mm, depth 22 mm.

Certifications

2 of 3 differ

Hi-Res AudioiThe Japan Audio Society logos. Hi-Res Audio Wireless is also written Hi-Res Wireless Audio.

Not available

Hi-Res Audio Wireless1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026Page states Hi-Res Audio Certified for Bluetooth LHDC 5.0 playback. iFixit lists Hi-Res Wireless Audio Certification.

Communication certifications

Not available

Not available

FCC IDs

Not available

Not available

Other certifications

Class 1 Laser, IEC 60825-1:2007 and IEC 60825-1:201418Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/information/ma1770_airpods-info.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original 2016 AM034-01450-A safety leaflet. English safety pages 1 and 2 and regulatory pages 9 to 12 read. Page 10 Class 1 Laser section explicitly gives IEC 60825-1:2007 and 2014. This does not establish clinical hearing-device clearance.

Not available

In the box

2 of 2 differ

In the box

AirPods 1, Charging Case, Lightning to USB cable, Documentation1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026Original wired case package only. Maker list names a Lightning to USB cable but gives no cable length. No power adapter appears in the complete list.

Pair of earbuds, Ear tips in size S, M, L, Charging case, Type-C cable, Safety information and warranty information, User guide1Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026

Cables included

AApple AirPods 1

Type	Count
Lightning to USB cable	1

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026

BNothing Ear (2)

Not available

Links

Not compared

Product page

support.apple.com/en-us/1118551Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026

nothing.tech/products/ear-22Maker product pagenothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 10 October 2026

Spec sheet

support.apple.com/en-us/1118551Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111855Read 5 October 2026Exact 2016 W1 generation with original wired A1602 case. Later A1938 wireless case purchases are excluded. No standalone maker PDF spec sheet found. Bud and case dimension tuples lack width, height and depth labels, so those fields are omitted.

eu.nothing.tech/products/ear-21Maker product pageeu.nothing.tech/products/ear-2Read 11 October 2026The product page ends with the Technical details table.

Manual

cdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1769_airpods-quickstart.pdf6Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1769_airpods-quickstart.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original 2016 10-page multilingual Quick Start Guide. English instructions and model list read. Page 8 double-tap panel visually inspected. The original 12-page safety leaflet was read separately.

Not available

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

1 of 1 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year17Maker product pageapple.com/legal/warranty/products/accessory-warranty-english.htmlRead 5 October 2026Apple accessory hardware warranty gives one year from original retail purchase. Statutory consumer rights and optional extended coverage are separate.

Not available

Both are also in the API. Back to all earbuds.