Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation vs Nothing Ear (2024)
Quick take: The Nothing Ear (2024) lasts longer per charge (5.2 hrs); only the Nothing Ear (2024) supports multipoint (two devices at once).
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation | Nothing Ear (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$119 | ~$119 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Wireless Earbuds | Wireless Earbuds |
| Noise Cancelling | Adaptive ANC | Adaptive ANC |
| Battery (single charge) | 4 hrs | 5.2 hrs |
| Battery (with case) | 20 hrs | 24 hrs |
| Quick Charge | 5 min = 1 hr | 10 min = 10 hr (with case) |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LHDC 5.0 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | No | Yes |
| Driver Size | — | 11 mm |
| Weight | 4.3 g | 4.62 g |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IP54 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | No |
| App EQ | No | Yes |
Pros & cons
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
- ✓Real ANC in an open fit — no ear tips required
- ✓Excellent H2-chip call quality
- ✓Featherweight 4.3g buds disappear in-ear
- ✓Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness at $119
- ✓ANC case adds wireless charging and Find My speaker
- ✓Takes the edge off planes despite no seal
- ✗4-hour ANC battery is bottom of the class
- ✗Fit lottery — hard plastic shape hasn't changed
- ✗Bass depends entirely on how they sit in your ears
- ✗Physics caps ANC well below the sealed Pro 3
- ✗AAC only, no EQ app — Apple as usual
Nothing Ear (2024)
- ✓LDAC and LHDC 5.0 hi-res at half flagship money
- ✓Punchy 11mm ceramic-diaphragm driver
- ✓8-band EQ with shareable custom profiles
- ✓Multipoint and wireless charging under $120
- ✓Pinch controls beat most touch surfaces
- ✓Transparent design still turns heads
- ✗5.2 hours with ANC on — commuters notice
- ✗45dB Smart ANC loses to plane roar
- ✗Mics only okay — wind leaks into calls
- ✗Occasional single-bud dropouts need a re-pair
- ✗No spatial audio; ChatGPT integration is a party trick