AirPods 4 vs Nothing Ear (3)
Same class, different makers. The AirPods 4 (Apple) and the Nothing Ear (3) (Nothing) are built for the same kind of buyer. The numbers lean one way: the Nothing Ear (3) comes out ahead in 2 of the 3 areas we compared, with its clearest lead in the sound & noise cancelling category. That $50 launch price gap between the Nothing Ear (3) and the AirPods 4 will shape the verdict as much as any spec.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Nothing Ear (3) wins
- Battery & Charging Nothing Ear (3) wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price AirPods 4 wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling0.0
- Battery & Charging1.7
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging5.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Nothing Ear (3) has active noise cancelling
If you’ve come to rely on active noise cancelling, note that the AirPods 4 leaves it out. On a flight or a busy commute, the Nothing Ear (3)’s noise cancelling lets you listen at lower volumes.
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The Nothing Ear (3) has 0.5 h more listening per charge
The AirPods 4 comes close with 5 h; the Nothing Ear (3) does slightly better with 5.5 h. Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips.
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The AirPods 4 has a 0.03 oz lighter build
Big gap, real consequences. The AirPods 4’s 0.15 oz versus the Nothing Ear (3)’s 0.18 oz changes how the two compare in daily use. Lighter earbuds or headsets feel less noticeable during long listening sessions.
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The Nothing Ear (3) has a transparency mode
The Nothing Ear (3) checks this box; the AirPods 4 doesn’t. The Nothing Ear (3) offers transparency mode, which also makes walking near traffic safer.
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The Nothing Ear (3) has wireless charging
Whether it matters depends on your habits, but only one of these two gives you wireless charging: the Nothing Ear (3). Wireless charging lets you drop the case on a charging pad instead of hunting for a cable.
Design & Size
The AirPods 4 undercuts the Nothing Ear (3) by 0.03 oz on weight.
Fit & Build
| Spec | AirPods 4 | Nothing Ear (3) |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Open-fit earbuds with stem (no ear tips) | In-ear with stem |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP54 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.15 oz (winner) | 0.18 oz |
| Case weight | 1.14 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Nothing Ear (3) leads
This is one of the Nothing Ear (3)’s strongest areas. On sound & noise cancelling, the AirPods 4 falls well short. The Nothing Ear (3) gives you active noise cancelling. Active noise cancelling reduces constant background noise like engines, trains and office hum. The takeaway: on sound & noise cancelling, the Nothing Ear (3) is the stronger pair.
Active noise cancelling
AirPods 4: no Nothing Ear (3): yes Without ANC, the AirPods 4 relies on its fit alone to block out sound.
Transparency mode
AirPods 4: no Nothing Ear (3): yes A transparency mode lets outside sound in, so you can hear announcements or chat briefly without taking them off.
Battery & Charging
Nothing Ear (3) leads
For battery & charging, the verdict is easy: the Nothing Ear (3) leads, and not by a little. The Nothing Ear (3) answers with 0.5 h more listening per charge. The Nothing Ear (3) runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast. That makes the Nothing Ear (3) the natural choice for buyers focused on battery & charging.
Battery (single charge)
AirPods 4: 5 h Nothing Ear (3): 5.5 h Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary.
Wireless charging
AirPods 4: no Nothing Ear (3): yes If you already own a wireless pad, the Nothing Ear (3) fits right into your routine.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
The AirPods 4 and the Nothing Ear (3) match each other closely in this area. Don’t let features & connectivity decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | AirPods 4 | Nothing Ear (3) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | N/A (not specified) | 0.47 in |
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes (winner) |
| Transparency mode | No | Yes (winner) |
| Spatial audio | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking | N/A (not specified) |
| Bluetooth codecs | N/A (not specified) | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | AirPods 4 | Nothing Ear (3) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 5 h | 5.5 h (winner) |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 30 h | N/A (not specified) |
| Wireless charging | No | Yes (winner) |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | AirPods 4 | Nothing Ear (3) |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 (Apple H2 chip) | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Controls | Force sensor on stem | N/A (not specified) |
Fit & Build
| Spec | AirPods 4 | Nothing Ear (3) |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Open-fit earbuds with stem (no ear tips) | In-ear with stem |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP54 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.15 oz (winner) | 0.18 oz |
| Case weight | 1.14 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | AirPods 4 | Nothing Ear (3) |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $129 (winner) Lowest price in class | $179 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
At launch, the Nothing Ear (3) cost $50 more than the AirPods 4. In percentage terms, that’s 39%. What does the Nothing Ear (3)’s extra $50 actually get you? Mainly active noise cancelling and 0.5 h more listening per charge.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked September 2025. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the AirPods 4 if…
- you wear them for hours and want less weight on your ears (0.15 oz vs 0.18 oz)
- you’d put the $50 saving toward something else
- you prefer staying with Apple
Choose the Nothing Ear (3) if…
- you want active noise cancelling
- you listen for hours at a stretch (5.5 h vs 5 h per charge)
- you want a transparency mode
- you already own a wireless charging pad
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the AirPods 4 or the Nothing Ear (3)?
The Nothing Ear (3) wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless what you want most is a 0.03 oz lighter build.
Which has better battery life, the AirPods 4 or the Nothing Ear (3)?
The Nothing Ear (3) does better here. It lists 5.5 h for battery (single charge), while the AirPods 4 lists 5 h.
Is the AirPods 4 cheaper than the Nothing Ear (3)?
Going by launch prices, the AirPods 4 costs $50 less than the Nothing Ear (3). Prices as of September 2025; current offers may differ.
Which weighs less, the AirPods 4 or the Nothing Ear (3)?
The AirPods 4 is lighter, by 0.03 oz.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the AirPods 4 and the Nothing Ear (3). For me, the deciding factor is that only the Nothing Ear (3) gives you active noise cancelling. Another thing in the Nothing Ear (3)’s favor is 0.5 h more listening per charge. Still, if you care most about a 0.03 oz lighter build, the AirPods 4 deserves a look.
The way I see it, people who prioritize comfort will be happier with the AirPods 4, and those who prioritize sound & noise cancelling with the Nothing Ear (3).
My pick: the Nothing Ear (3) is the sensible default. Only one thing changes that: if you value a 0.03 oz lighter build above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.