
Nothing
$99

Apple
$549
Nothing Ear (2) edges out the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) in the headphones category, particularly in performance, scoring 6.8/10 vs 5.6/10. If you want the better overall performer, Nothing Ear (2) is the clear pick.
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Nothing Ear (2)W | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | In-ear | Over-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 11mm | 40mm✓ |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | — |
| Impedance | 32 Ohm | — |
| Sensitivity | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | — |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Transparency Mode) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
| EQ App | Nothing X | Apple Settings (Personalized Spatial Audio) |
| Touch Controls | Yes (touch controls) | Yes (Digital Crown, button) |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa | Siri |
| Battery Life | 22hrs✓ | 20hrs |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | true | false |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IPX4 |
| Foldable | No | No |
| Weight | 4.5g✓ | 385g |
| Colors | White, Black | Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange |
| Price | 99$✓ | 549$ |
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.
Who do you think wins this matchup?
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.
Yes, Nothing Ear (2) scores higher overall (4.9 vs 5.1).
Nothing Ear (2) is cheaper at $99 vs $549 for the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C).
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.
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.
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.
Nothing Ear (2) lasts longer with 22 hours vs 20 hours for the other.
Nothing Ear (2) is lighter at 4.5g vs 385g.