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Apple AirPods 4 with ANC vs Nothing Ear (a)

Buy the AirPods 4 with ANC if you use an iPhone and want tight integration: hands-free Siri, automatic switching across Apple devices, and a pocketable open-fit design. Buy the Nothing Ear (a) if you want stronger noise reduction, longer battery life, LDAC hi-res audio and Android-friendly controls for less. Owners rate both well, but the AirPods' open fit lets in more sound and seals less than the Ear (a)'s in-ear tips, while the Ear (a) lacks Apple's ecosystem tricks.

  • Choose the AirPods 4 with ANC if you live in Apple's ecosystem and want Siri, seamless device switching and a light open-fit bud.
  • Choose the Nothing Ear (a) if you want deeper noise cancelling, longer battery life and hi-res LDAC sound on Android or any phone.

Prices

  • Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: $74.99 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Nothing Ear (a): $69.99 at Swiftronics USA (last seen Nov 5)
  • Difference: the Nothing Ear (a) is $5.00 cheaper than the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC at the latest prices (Nov 5 and Nov 10)
Apple
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelling

Apple AirPods 4 with ANC

Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelling

4.4(30,064 ratings)
$74.99at WalmartChecked 44 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Tight iPhone, iPad and Mac pairing with automatic switching
  • Hands-free Siri and voice-activated features
  • Light open-fit design that stays comfortable for long wear
  • IP54 rating and a USB-C case with wireless charging
Cons
  • Open fit blocks less noise than sealed in-ear buds
  • Shorter total battery life than the Ear (a)
  • No LDAC or hi-res codec support
  • Best features are limited outside Apple devices
Nothing
Ear (a)

Nothing Ear (a)

Ear (a)

4.5(302 ratings)
$69.99at Swiftronics USAChecked Nov 5
See all prices and details
Visit Swiftronics USA
Pros
  • Adaptive ANC up to 45 dB, stronger than the AirPods 4
  • Up to 42.5 hours total battery with the case
  • LDAC and Hi-Res Wireless Audio for higher-quality streaming
  • Fast charge gives about 10 hours from 10 minutes
  • Distinctive transparent design in three colors
Cons
  • No Apple ecosystem integration or Siri
  • Touch controls can misfire during adjustments
  • Fewer owner ratings so far than the AirPods

What separates them

Apple AirPods 4 with ANCNothing Ear (a)
Noise cancellingActive Noise Cancellation in an open-fit design; less isolation than a sealed tipAdaptive ANC rated up to 45 dB, Nothing's strongest yet
Battery lifeUp to 30 hours total with the caseUp to 42.5 hours total with the case (ANC off); 9.5 hours per charge
Fit and sealOpen-fit in-ear bud, no silicone tipsIn-ear with S, M, L silicone tips for a sealed fit
Audio codecsAAC and SBC over BluetoothAAC, SBC and LDAC up to 990 kbps, Hi-Res Wireless certified
Ecosystem and assistantDeep iPhone, iPad and Mac integration; hands-free Siri; automatic switchingWorks with any phone; dual-device pairing; no Siri integration
ControlsStem press controls and Siri voice commandsTouch controls on the stem
Water and dust resistanceIP54 on buds and caseIP54 on buds
Charging portUSB-C case, wireless charging supportedUSB-C case; fast charge gives about 10 hours from 10 minutes

Price history

$119.97$59.00
Nov 1Nov 10
  • Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: lowest $74.99 on Nov 5 at Walmart; $74.99 on Nov 10.
  • Nothing Ear (a): lowest $59.00 on Nov 2 at Amazon; $69.99 on Nov 5.

Prices at every store

Apple AirPods 4 with ANC

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by TheRightOne

    $74.99Free shippingChecked 44 min ago
    Visit Walmart
  • VolshopNew

    Availability unknown

    $79.00Checked Nov 5
    Visit Volshop
  • 12thmantechnology.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $114.99Checked Nov 3
    Visit 12thmantechnology.com
  • CrutchfieldNew

    Availability unknown

    $119.00Checked Nov 5
    Visit Crutchfield

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 20 stores and price history →

Nothing Ear (a)

  • Swiftronics USANew

    Availability unknown

    $69.99Checked Nov 5
    Visit Swiftronics USA
  • Nothing USNew

    Availability unknownReturn policy

    $79.00Checked 46 min ago
    Visit Nothing US
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $79.00Checked Nov 5
    Visit Amazon
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknown

    $105.99Checked Nov 5
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 4 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple AirPods 4 with ANCNothing Ear (a)
colorWhiteBlack, White, Yellow
Noise CancelingYesYes
With MicrophoneYesYes
With Charging CaseYesYes
StyleIn-earIn-ear
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth
Water-ResistantYesYes
occasionAirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation—
multipack_quantity1—
UseSports—
Assistant SupportSiri—
Battery life30 h—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple AirPods 4 with ANCNothing Ear (a)
Headphone styleIn-Ear—
Noise control technologyActive Noise Cancellation—
WirelessY—
Wireless technologyBluetooth—
FeaturesBuilt-in Microphone, Voice-Activated—
BrandApple—
Rec. useCasual Listening—
Works withiPhone—
Ip codeIP54—
Assembled product weight

What reviewers say

Apple AirPods 4 with ANC

  • 4.4 / 530,064 ratings

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from about 30,000 ratings.

What people mention
  • FitPraisedOwners say the open design stays comfortable for long wear.
  • Noise cancellingMixedReviewers find ANC helpful but weaker than sealed in-ear models.
  • BatteryMixedThe 30-hour case total is fine, but time per charge is short.
  • SetupPraisedPairing with iPhone and Siri is described as quick and simple.

Nothing Ear (a)

  • 4.5 / 5302 ratings

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 302 ratings. Owners generally like the sound, the ANC for the price and the battery life, and many mention the transparent design. Complaints tend to focus on the case and on call quality in noisy settings.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedOwners describe clear, balanced audio with deep bass and good detail for the price.
  • Noise cancellingPraisedThe adaptive ANC is said to handle traffic and office noise well, though not at flagship level.
  • BatteryMixedPlayback time is long, but users note it falls well short of the rated 9.5 hours with ANC and LDAC on.
  • DesignPraised

Questions and answers

Which has better noise cancelling?
The Nothing Ear (a). Its adaptive ANC is rated up to 45 dB and its sealed silicone tips block more sound. The AirPods 4 with ANC cancel well for an open-fit bud but let in more noise.
Which is better for iPhone users?
The AirPods 4 with ANC. Pairing, automatic switching, hands-free Siri and Find My work natively. The Ear (a) pairs fine with an iPhone but loses those ecosystem features and LDAC support.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The Nothing Ear (a). It gives up to 9.5 hours per charge and about 42.5 hours with the case. The AirPods 4 with ANC total about 30 hours with the case.
Is the Nothing Ear (a) worth stepping up to over the AirPods?
If you are on Android or want stronger ANC, longer battery and LDAC, yes. If you are deep in Apple's ecosystem, the AirPods' integration is harder to replace.
Do both resist sweat and water?
Both buds are rated IP54, so they handle sweat and light rain. The AirPods case is also IP54; the Ear (a) case is not rated.
Which fits better for sports?
The Ear (a)'s silicone tips give a more secure sealed fit for running and gym use. The AirPods' open fit is comfortable but looser and blocks less noise.

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0.15 oz
—
In/Out typeWireless—
Inputs/OutputsUSB Type-C—
AccessoriesCharging Case (USB-C)—
Battery consumption typeIntegrated Rechargeable Battery—
Power typeBattery—
Maximum transmission range1 ft—
Compatible smart control systemsSiri—
Virtual assistantSiri—
Cord length1 in—
Generation4th Generation—
MaterialPlastic—
Video game platformMac—
With Adaptive EQYes—
Height1.19″ tall—
MicrophoneYes—
BluetoothYes—
Battery Time (in use) (h)5.0—
NFCNo—
The transparent stems and yellow color option are frequently called out as a reason to buy.