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  1. Home
  2. /Headphones
  3. /Nothing Ear (2) vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)

Nothing Ear (2)vsApple AirPods Max (USB-C)

WINNER
Nothing Ear (2)

Nothing

Ear (2)

6.8
6.8/10

$99

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)

Apple

AirPods Max (USB-C)

5.6
5.6/10

$549

AI

AI Matrix

Powered by Claude AI

Nothing Ear (2) edges out the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 6.8/10 vs 5.6/10. If you want the better overall performer, Nothing Ear (2) is the clear pick.

Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team|Our methodology

5 Reasons Why Nothing Ear (2) Is Better

  • 1.Longer battery life: 22h vs 20h
  • 2.Lighter: 4.5g vs 385g
  • 3.Lower price: $99 vs $549
  • 4.Better performance score: 10.0 vs 5.0
  • 5.Better value score: 9.7 vs 8.2

Score Comparison

Price9.7 / 8.2Codec Quality10.0 / 5.0Noise Cancellation10.0 / 10.0Battery Life2.0 / 1.8Driver Size0.0 / 3.7Water Resistance5.0 / 5.0
Nothing Ear (2)Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)

Score Breakdown

Nothing Ear (2)Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
9.7
Price20% weight
8.2
Nothing Ear (2) wins
10.0
Codec Quality25% weight
5.0
Nothing Ear (2) wins
2.0
Battery Life20% weight
1.8
Tied
10.0
Noise Cancellation15% weight
10.0
Tied
0.0
Driver Size10% weight
3.7
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) wins
5.0
Water Resistance10% weight
5.0
Tied

Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.

Nothing Ear (2)

Winner

✓ Pros

  • ●Strong performance score
  • ●Better value for money
  • ●Water resistant (IP54)

✗ Cons

  • ●Lower display score

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)

✓ Pros

  • ●Better display quality
  • ●Water resistant (IPX4)

✗ Cons

  • ●Higher price tag
  • ●Lower performance score

Side-by-Side Specs

SpecNothing Ear (2)WApple AirPods Max (USB-C)
TypeIn-earOver-ear
Driver TypeDynamicDynamic
Driver Size11mm40mm✓
Frequency Response20 Hz - 20,000 Hz—
Impedance32 Ohm—
Sensitivity20 Hz - 20,000 Hz—
ANCtruetrue
Transparency ModeYes (Transparency Mode)Yes (Transparency Mode)
EQ AppNothing XApple Settings (Personalized Spatial Audio)
Touch ControlsYes (touch controls)Yes (Digital Crown, button)
Voice AssistantGoogle Assistant, AlexaSiri
Battery Life22hrs✓20hrs
BluetoothBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3
CodecsSBC, AACSBC, AAC
Multipointtruefalse
Water ResistanceIP54IPX4
FoldableNoNo
Weight4.5g✓385g
ColorsWhite, BlackMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange
Price99$✓549$

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy Nothing Ear (2) if…

Buy the Nothing Ear (2) if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.

Buy Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) if…

The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.

Community Vote

Who do you think wins this matchup?

Nothing Ear (2) vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — FAQ

Nothing Ear (2) vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C): which is better?

Nothing Ear (2) edges out the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 6.8/10 vs 5.6/10. If you want the better overall performer, Nothing Ear (2) is the clear pick.

Is Nothing Ear (2) better than Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?

Yes, Nothing Ear (2) scores higher overall (4.9 vs 5.1).

Which is cheaper, Nothing Ear (2) or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?

Nothing Ear (2) is cheaper at $99 vs $549 for the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C).

Who should buy the Nothing Ear (2)?

Buy the Nothing Ear (2) if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.

Who should buy the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?

The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.

Which has better battery life, Nothing Ear (2) or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) has a larger battery (2,400mAh vs 240mAh for the Nothing Ear (2)), which generally means longer use between charges.

Which lasts longer, Nothing Ear (2) or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?

Nothing Ear (2) lasts longer with 22 hours vs 20 hours for the other.

Which is lighter, Nothing Ear (2) or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?

Nothing Ear (2) is lighter at 4.5g vs 385g.

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Full Nothing Ear (2) review →Full Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) review →All Nothing Headphones →All Apple Headphones →