Nothing Ear (open) vs Apple AirPods 4

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

The Nothing Ear (open) and Apple AirPods 4 are closely matched at 65 and 64/100. The Nothing Ear (open) edges ahead on Battery and Connectivity, while the Apple AirPods 4 leads on Audio and Noise Cancelling — pick the one whose strengths match what you'll actually use.

Sound quality isn't scored yet (we have no measured audio data), so the score covers features, battery, noise cancelling and build.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Nothing Ear (open) and Apple AirPods 4 are closely matched

Nothing Ear (open)

Apple AirPods 4

Where Nothing Ear (open) stands out

Battery Life per Charge: 8 h (60% more)

Where Apple AirPods 4 stands out

Build Case Weight: 32.3 g (49% less)
Build Weight per Earbud: 4.3 g (47% less)

Winner by category for Nothing Ear (open) vs Apple AirPods 4
Category	Nothing Ear (open)	Apple AirPods 4	Winner
Audio	0	100	Apple AirPods 4
Noise Cancelling	0	30	Apple AirPods 4
Battery	64	48	Nothing Ear (open)
Connectivity	92	79	Nothing Ear (open)
Calls	0	100	Apple AirPods 4
Build	37	75	Apple AirPods 4

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.

Nothing Ear (open)

The Nothing Ear (open) is a pair of open-style wireless earbuds engineered for active users who need to remain aware of their environment. Incorporating Nothing's signature transparent aesthetic with silicone ear hooks, the earbuds offer up to 30 hours of total playback time using the included case. At a price of $99, they prioritize physical stability and situational safety over audio isolation.

Best for Outdoor running and exercising where situational awareness is criticalBest for Users seeking lightweight, hook-based earbuds for secure wear during workouts

Pros

Open-ear design maintains full awareness of external surroundings
Silicone ear hooks provide a secure and lightweight fit during athletic movement
Offers up to 30 hours of total battery life with the charging case

Cons

Open sound architecture does not isolate external noise or provide noise cancellation

Apple AirPods 4

The Apple AirPods 4 are open-style wireless earbuds powered by Apple's H2 chip, featuring a slightly smaller physical footprint than previous generations. Apple offers two distinct versions: a standard base model priced at $129 and a step-up variant at $179 that introduces Active Noise Cancellation. These earbuds target users who prefer an unsealed, open-fit design while taking advantage of Apple's latest audio processing platform.

Best for Listeners who dislike silicone ear tips but still want active noise cancellationBest for iPhone users looking for an affordable modern entry point into the AirPods lineu

Pros

Equipped with Apple's powerful H2 chip for advanced audio processing
Active noise cancellation option available in an open-ear form factor
Base model launched at a lower price point ($129) than its direct predecessor
Slightly smaller and updated physical design for improved ergonomics

Cons

Active Noise Cancellation is restricted to the more expensive $179 model variant

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

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Nothing Ear (open)

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Apple AirPods 4

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Physical Comparison

Weight, side by side

Nothing Ear (open)

63.8g

Weight

Apple AirPods 4

32.3g

Weight

Nothing Ear (open)

8.1g

Weight

Apple AirPods 4

4.3g

Weight

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Audio

Feature	Nothing Ear (open)	Apple AirPods 4
Driver Type	Dynamic	N/A
Driver Size	14.2 mm	N/A
Frequency Response	N/A	N/A
Spatial Audio with Head Tracking	N/A	Yes

Noise Cancelling

Feature	Nothing Ear (open)	Apple AirPods 4
Active Noise Cancelling	N/A	No
Transparency Mode	N/A	No

Battery

Feature	Nothing Ear (open)	Apple AirPods 4
Battery Life per Charge	8 h60% more	5 h
Total Battery Life with Case	30 h	30 h
Quick Charge	Yes	Yes
Wireless Charging Case	No	No

Connectivity

Feature	Nothing Ear (open)	Apple AirPods 4
Bluetooth Version
Supported Codecs	SBC, AAC	N/A
Multipoint Connection	Yes	N/A

Calls

Feature	Nothing Ear (open)	Apple AirPods 4
Microphones per Earbud	N/A	3

Build

Feature	Nothing Ear (open)	Apple AirPods 4
IP Rating
Weight per Earbud	8.1 g	4.3 g47% less
Case Weight	63.8 g	32.3 g49% less

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Nothing Ear (open) vs Apple AirPods 4 comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Nothing Ear (open) rates higher at 67/100 versus 59/100 for Apple AirPods 4 — a 8-point lead. Nothing Ear (open) is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

Nothing Ear (open) and Apple AirPods 4 are compared side by side above across every spec in the earbuds category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 67/100 for Nothing Ear (open) and 59/100 for Apple AirPods 4.

If you want the higher-rated earbuds option overall, Nothing Ear (open) (67/100) edges out Apple AirPods 4 (59/100). But if Apple AirPods 4 is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.