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Apple AirPods 4 vs Nothing Ear (a)

Buy the AirPods 4 if you use an iPhone, want the tightest Apple integration, and can get them at the $49.95 eBay price as of November 7, 2026. Buy the Nothing Ear (a) if you want stronger noise cancellation, LDAC hi-res audio, and longer battery life; it is $79.00 at Amazon as of November 7, 2026. The AirPods are cheaper right now, but the Ear (a) gives more hardware for about $29 more.

Today the Apple AirPods 4 costs $29.05 less at its best price.

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Apple
Apple AirPods 4

Apple AirPods 4

4.3(88,791 ratings)
$49.95at eBayVerified
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Store links may earn us a commission.

Choose the AirPods 4 if you are in the Apple ecosystem and want seamless switching, Siri, and the lower current price.

Pros
  • Cheapest of the two at $49.95 as of November 7, 2026
  • Effortless switching between Apple devices
  • Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
  • Voice Isolation for clearer calls
  • IP54 dust and water resistance
Cons
  • Only 30 hours total battery with the case
  • No LDAC or hi-res codec support
  • Best features are locked to Apple devices
  • Open-fit design leaks sound and lets noise in
Nothing
Nothing Ear (a)

Nothing Ear (a)

$79.00at AmazonObserved at 12:54 PM
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Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Choose the Nothing Ear (a) if you want up to 45 dB adaptive ANC, LDAC, and 42.5 hours of total battery.

Pros
  • Adaptive ANC up to 45 dB
  • LDAC and Hi-Res Audio certification
  • 42.5 hours total battery, 9.5 hours per charge
  • Fast charge: 10 minutes for about 10 hours
  • Three color options, including yellow
Cons
  • Costs $79.00 at Amazon as of November 7, 2026, about $29 more than the AirPods
  • Only 2 stores price it new, so deals are limited
  • No Apple spatial audio or Siri integration
  • Listed driver size of 40 mm conflicts with the 11 mm spec in the description

What separates them

Apple AirPods 4Nothing Ear (a)
Current best new price$49.95 at eBay as of November 7, 2026$79.00 at Amazon as of November 7, 2026
Noise cancellationSound isolation; ANC listed but not the headline featureAdaptive ANC up to 45 dB
Battery lifeUp to 30 hours total with caseUp to 9.5 hours per charge, 42.5 hours with case
CodecsAAC and SBC over BluetoothAAC, SBC, and LDAC with Hi-Res certification
Ecosystem fitDeep iPhone, Mac, and Siri integrationWorks with any phone; ChatGPT integration
Water resistanceIP54IP54
DesignOpen-fit in-ear, white onlyTransparent stem design in black, white, or yellow
ChargingUSB-C caseUSB-C case with fast charge (10 min for 10 hours)

Price history

$104.99$59.00
Oct 31Nov 7
  • Apple AirPods 4: lowest $68.00 on Nov 2 at Walmart; $79.00 on Nov 7.
  • Nothing Ear (a): lowest $59.00 on Nov 2 at Amazon; $69.99 on Nov 7.

Prices at every store

Apple AirPods 4

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $89.00Verified
    Visit Walmart
  • UCLA StoreNew

    In stock

    $89.00Observed at 5:38 AM
    Visit UCLA Store
  • VolshopNew

    In stock

    $79.00+ $12.00 shippingObserved at 5:38 AM
    Visit Volshop
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by chiroprep1 (98.8% positive, 6,000 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $49.95Free shippingVerified
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • JCPenneyCheck price at JCPenney
  • PC Richard & SonCheck price at PC Richard & Son

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All 16 stores and price history →

Nothing Ear (a)

  • Swiftronics USANew

    In stock

    $69.99+ $14.99 shippingObserved at 12:54 PM
    Visit Swiftronics USA
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $79.00Free shippingObserved at 12:54 PM
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Newegg.comCheck price at Newegg.com

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple AirPods 4Nothing Ear (a)
colorBlackBlack, White, Yellow
Noise CancelingYesYes
With MicrophoneYesYes
With Charging CaseYesYes
StyleIn-earIn-ear
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth
Water-ResistantYesYes
Battery life30 h—
Headphone styleIn-Ear—
Noise control technologySound Isolation—
WirelessY—
Wireless technologyBluetooth—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple AirPods 4Nothing Ear (a)
FeaturesBuilt-in Microphone, Voice-Activated—
BrandApple—
Rec. useCasual Listening—
Works withiPhone—
Ip codeIP54—
Assembled product weight0.25 lb—
Inputs/OutputsUSB Type-C—
AccessoriesCharging Case (USB-C)—
Battery consumption typeIntegrated Rechargeable Battery—
Power type

What reviewers say

Apple AirPods 4

  • 4.3 / 588,791 ratings

Owners rate the AirPods 4 well overall, praising the comfortable open fit, clear calls and easy Apple integration. The most common complaints are weak bass and no real isolation from surrounding noise.

What people mention
  • FitMixedMany find the open fit comfortable, but some say the buds feel loose and vary between ears.
  • SoundMixedVocals and detail are praised, while bass is called light next to sealed in-ear models.
  • NoiseCriticisedThe open design lets in traffic, office and cabin noise, and this model has no ANC.
  • CallsPraisedOwners report clear voice pickup in noisy places thanks to Voice Isolation.

Nothing Ear (a)

Owners generally see the Ear (a) as strong value: they like the look, the light weight and the ANC for the money. Most criticism centers on noise cancellation that is only average and on fit and battery life when ANC is on.

What people mention
  • Noise cancelingMixedOwners say ANC cuts steady background noise but does not silence a busy commute.
  • DesignPraisedThe transparent stems and yellow color option are what most buyers mention first.
  • FitMixedSome owners get a secure seal with the stock tips; others find the buds work loose.
  • BatteryMixedListening time is fine without ANC but drops noticeably when it is switched on.
Reviews
  • Best AirPods for 2026: Expert Tested and Reviewed
  • Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds for 2026 - CNET
  • Best Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earbuds
  • The Best Noise-Cancelling Wireless Earbuds for 2026

Questions and answers

Which has better noise cancellation?
The Nothing Ear (a). It has adaptive ANC rated up to 45 dB, while the AirPods 4 rely mainly on sound isolation.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The Nothing Ear (a). It gives up to 9.5 hours per charge and 42.5 hours with the case, against about 30 hours total for the AirPods 4.
Is the Nothing Ear (a) worth the extra money?
At $79.00 versus $49.95 as of November 7, 2026, yes if you want stronger ANC, LDAC, and longer battery. If you are on iPhone and want the lowest price, the AirPods 4 are the better buy.
Do the AirPods 4 work with Android?
They pair over Bluetooth, but you lose Siri, spatial audio, and easy device switching. The Ear (a) is the better pick for Android.
Which is better for the gym?
Both are IP54 rated. The Ear (a) seals in the ear better for noise and fit; the AirPods 4 open fit lets more sound in.
Which has better call quality?
Both use multiple microphones. The AirPods 4 add Voice Isolation on Apple devices; the Ear (a) use Clear Voice Technology.

More comparisons

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  • Nothing Ear (a) vs Soundcore Space A40 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds

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Battery
—
Maximum transmission range1 ft—
Compatible smart control systemsSiri—
Virtual assistantSiri—
Cord length1 in—
Generation4th Generation—
Video game platformMac—
Headphone typeHeadphones—
Model nameAirPods 4th Gen—
UseSports—
Assistant SupportSiri—
With Adaptive EQYes—
Height1.19″ tall—
ModelApple AirPods 4 Review automatically translated—
Width4″ wide—
Depth1.5″ deep—
MicrophoneYes—
BluetoothYes—
Battery Time (in use) (h)5.0—
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