Key Comparison Highlights

• Design & Build: AirPods Pro 3 get a refined, smaller build with foam-infused ear tips (now 5 sizes) for a more secure fit and IP57 durability apple.com. Nothing’s Ear series flaunts a unique transparent design; the new Ear (a)shrinks the case to pocketable size (sacrificing wireless charging) theguardian.com and is splash-resistant (IP54) theguardian.com. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC has a conventional stem design (IPX4), a bulkier case, but solid build quality – available in multiple colors for style soundguys.com soundguys.com.
• Audio & Codecs: AirPods Pro 3 rely on Apple’s custom driver tuning – boasting widened soundstage, transformed bass, and vivid vocals via Adaptive EQ macrumors.com – but they stick to Apple’s AAC codec (no LDAC/aptX support). Nothing Ear (2)/(a) support 24-bit hi-res audio streaming with LDAC (and LHDC) codecs us.nothing.techfor greater fidelity on Android, delivering surprisingly wide, detailed sound for the price theguardian.com. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC likewise offers LDAC for high-bitrate audio soundguys.com and pumps out deep bass and crisp highs by default, with extensive EQ customization via the Soundcore app (8-band EQ, presets, HearID) to fine-tune your sound.
• ANC Power: AirPods Pro 3 claim the crown with Apple touting “the world’s best in-ear Active Noise Cancellation,” achieving up to 2× more noise reduction than AirPods Pro 2 macrumors.com. They use ultra-low-noise mics and foam tips to isolate and cancel noise better than ever theverge.com. Nothing’s earbuds hold their own in this arena – Ear (a) offers adaptive ANC up to 45 dB reduction with smart leak compensation us.nothing.tech, enough to hush city commutes and office chatter effectively (a noticeable improvement over Ear (1)) theguardian.com. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC lives up to its name by canceling up to 98.5% of external noise per Anker’s specs soundcore.com. In fact, tests show the Liberty 4 NC slightly outperforms even its newer Liberty 5 successor in ANC strength (reducing ~84% of noise vs 76% on Liberty 5) soundguys.com – exceptional performance for budget-friendly buds.
• Smart Features & Ecosystem: Apple integrates the AirPods Pro 3 deeply into its ecosystem. They feature always-on Siri and seamless device switching, and introduce new tricks: a built-in heart-rate sensor for fitness tracking and a real-time Live Translation mode for conversations theverge.com theverge.com. They also support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking in Apple’s ecosystem. Nothing provides platform-agnostic perks – the Nothing X app (Android/iOS) allows firmware updates, custom gestures, EQ tweaks, and even personalized sound hearing tests (on Ear 2) theverge.com theverge.com. Nothing’s earbuds support Google Fast Pair, multipoint dual connections, in-ear detection, and a solid ambient mode that’s among the better ones available theguardian.com. Soundcore packs its app with features: multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 pairing soundguys.com, adjustable ANC modes (with adaptive and wind noise reduction), a “Safe volume” hearing protection option, gaming low-latency mode, fit tests, and even a spatial audio mode. The Liberty 4 series (non-NC model) was notable for including a heart-rate sensor and head-tracked spatial audio priceme.co.nz priceme.co.nz – features that highlight Soundcore’s tech ambitions – though the Liberty 4 NC focuses more on core audio performance and noise canceling.
• Battery Life & Charging: Battery endurance is a category where the cheaper earbuds shine. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC leads with nearly 10 hours of listening with ANC on (9h53m tested) on a single charge, plus about 50 hourstotal with the case soundguys.com – a standout for long trips. In comparison, AirPods Pro 3 last about 8 hours per charge with ANC enabled (up from 6h in the previous gen) and around 24 hours total including the case macrumors.com. (Apple actually traded a smaller case for slightly lower total playtime than before macrumors.com.) Nothing Ear (a) delivers roughly 5.5 hours of playback with ANC on (24.5h with case) theguardian.com, while the older Ear 2 manages ~4 hours ANC (22–23h with case) theverge.com – decent, though not class-leading. All three brands support fast-charging their buds for quick top-ups. For charging convenience, both Apple and Soundcore include wireless charging in their cases (along with USB-C ports), whereas Nothing’s budget-friendly Ear (a) foregoes wireless charging to keep costs and case size down theguardian.com. (Nothing’s higher-tier Ear 2 does support Qi charging us.nothing.tech.)
• Price & Value: Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 come in at a premium $249 price tag theverge.com – the most expensive of the bunch. Nothing’s earbuds undercut that dramatically: the flagship Ear (2) launched at $149 (now often ~$129) us.nothing.tech, and the new Ear (a) hits an impressively low $99 price point theguardian.com despite its high-end features. Anker’s Soundcore lineup is known for value: the Liberty 4 NC debuted at $99 soundguys.comand can often be found on sale for even less, while the newer Liberty 5 launched around $129 soundguys.com. In other words, you could buy two or three pairs of Nothing or Soundcore buds for the cost of one set of AirPods Pro. When it comes to bang-for-buck, Nothing Ear (a) “set a new bar for quality at the cheaper end of the market,” offering sound and ANC that “beat most rivals” in its price class theguardian.com. Likewise, Soundcore’s Liberty series has been lauded as an “unbeatable value” for packing so many premium features under $100 priceme.co.nz priceme.co.nz.

Design and Build Quality

Apple has refined the AirPods Pro 3 design subtly but meaningfully. The earbuds are slightly smaller and lighter than the previous generation, with a new ergonomic shape informed by 10,000+ ear scans to better sit in the ear canal apple.com. Each earbud now comes with five sizes of silicone ear tips (including a new XXS size) for an optimal seal apple.com. Notably, the tips are foam-infused silicone, which helps fill gaps and improve passive noise isolation tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Combined with the reduced size, this gives the AirPods Pro 3 a more secure fit – addressing complaints that some users had with AirPods Pro 2 falling out during movement tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Build quality remains high; while AirPods still use hard glossy plastic, they’re now rated IP57 water-resistant, meaning they can survive sweat, rain, and even brief submersion, a step up from the IP54 of Gen 2 macrumors.com. The iconic white stemmed design persists, seamless with the Apple aesthetic, and the case now features Apple’s U2 ultrawideband chip for more precise tracking if you misplace it macrumors.com. (One small design note: in a shift, Apple no longer includes a charging cable in the box for these AirPods theverge.com theverge.com.) Overall, AirPods Pro 3 look nearly identical to their predecessors at a glance, but the tweaks yield better comfort and durability.

Nothing, by contrast, has made its mark through bold design. The Nothing Ear (2) and Ear (a) earbuds stand out with a transparent housing that proudly showcases their internals – a stylish gimmick that has become Nothing’s signature. Reviewers note that the clear plastic “looks great” and gives these earbuds a unique tech-art vibe theguardian.com theguardian.com. The shape is a classic stem-style as well, and Nothing’s fit and comfort have improved over iterations. At just ~4.5–4.8 grams per bud headfonia.com theguardian.com, they feel light in the ear. The Ear (a) in particular was praised for sitting “comfortably and securely in the ear for extended listening” theguardian.com, with a shape very similar to Ear (2). Nothing also slimmed down the Ear (a)’s charging case dramatically – it’s roughly the size of an AirPods case now theguardian.com, making it far more pocket-friendly than the chunky square case of the original Ear (1). The case retains the transparent top lid (so you can see the buds inside) but uses a scratch-prone shiny plastic on the base theguardian.com, which looks cool yet can show wear. Build materials on the buds themselves have been improved since the first-gen; Nothing says Ear (2) uses more durable plastics to resist scuffs theverge.com. The earbuds are rated IP54 (sweat and splash resistant) which is sufficient for rain or workouts, though not full submersion theguardian.com. In summary, Nothing’s design language is funky and premium-feeling despite the mid-range price – you get a distinctive, modern look and comfortable ergonomics, with only minor durability caveats (no metal or rubberized parts, and no water-proofing beyond basic sweat resistance).

Anker Soundcore’s Liberty series takes a more utilitarian approach. The Liberty 4 NC earbuds also use a stem-and-tip form factor, but with less flash – they come in colors like black, white, and blues rather than transparent plastic priceme.co.nz. The buds are a bit heavier (about 5.7 g each) soundguys.com, and while comfortable for most, their fit is not as ultra-secure as some sport-focused buds. SoundGuys noted you “might not want to go for a run with them” if your ears have trouble keeping a seal soundguys.com – suggesting the design, while ergonomic, isn’t universally foolproof for vigorous movement. For normal daily use, however, they sit snugly and come with multiple ear tip sizes plus an in-app Fit Test to help ensure a proper seal bestbuy.com bestbuy.com. The charging case of the Liberty 4 NC is on the larger side (a round-edged square that’s thicker than Apple’s case), and earned the “chunky” label in some reviews soundguys.com. That said, the case is well-built and functional – it has a strong magnetic lid and keeps the earbuds firmly in place with magnets when docking, which testers appreciated bestbuy.com bestbuy.com. The case supports Qi wireless charging and USB-C, reflecting an attention to convenience at this price. One downside is the water protection: the Liberty 4 NC are rated IPX4, meaning they can survive sweat and light splashes, but they lag behind Apple and even Nothing in dust/water resistance (no dust protection, and definitely not submersible) soundguys.com. In terms of style, Soundcore’s earbuds may not turn heads like Nothing’s, but they’re practical and sturdy, with a matte finish that hides scratches and a choice of colors that some might prefer over plain white. Considering the price, the build quality gets the job done, even if it doesn’t feel as “luxury” as Apple’s polished accents or as daring as Nothing’s see-through shells.

Audio Performance and Codec Support

When it comes to sound quality, all three contenders bring something compelling to the table, but with different philosophies. Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 continue to leverage Apple’s custom audio tech rather than high-bitrate codecs. They use a new “multiport acoustic architecture” – essentially a redesigned internal driver and vent system – to deliver a more balanced and immersive sound apple.com. According to Apple, this setup “widens the soundstage so users hear every instrument, and brings vivid vocal clarity to the highs” macrumors.com, while also “transforming the bass response” for deeper, richer lows macrumors.com. Early listening impressions indeed report stronger bass and improved vocal clarity over the previous gen, with better instrument separation in complex tracks tomsguide.com. Apple doesn’t support lossless Bluetooth codecs like LDAC or aptX – AirPods Pro 3 stick to the AAC codec for compatibility – but they compensate with computational audio: features like Adaptive EQ (which auto-tunes the sound to your ear shape in real time) and Personalized Volume in iOS 17/18 to adapt sound levels to your environment. Furthermore, AirPods Pro 3 fully support Spatial Audio in Apple Music and movies (Dolby Atmos), including dynamic head tracking for a surround-sound effect. The result, as one audio reviewer noted, is that Apple has addressed the weaknesses of the previous model; the Pro 3 sound “right up my street, improving on all the sonic complaints I had” with richer bass and more exciting clarity tomsguide.com. While hardcore audiophiles might lament the lack of true lossless format support, the consensus is that AirPods Pro 3 sound markedly better than before and are finely tuned for most ears. They excel in a balanced, clear presentation, making them great all-rounders for music, videos, and calls – especially if you use an iPhone which can make the most of their Adaptive EQ and spatial audio features.

Nothing’s earbuds have surprised many with their audio performance, punching above their price class. The Nothing Ear (2) use an upgraded 11.6 mm dynamic driver with a graphene + polyurethane diaphragm headfonia.com, and support the LHDC 5.0 codec (24-bit/1 Mbit/s) for hi-res streaming on compatible devices theverge.com. In a firmware update, Nothing also enabled LDAC codec support us.nothing.tech on Ear (2), and the newer Ear (a) model supports LDAC out-of-the-box theguardian.com – giving Android users access to Bluetooth audio up to ~990 kbps, far above standard SBC/AAC bitrates us.nothing.tech. In practice, reviewers found the sound signature of Nothing Ear (2) and Ear (a) to be excellent for everyday listening. The tuning is relatively balanced, with a bit of extra bass punch. The Guardian, for instance, reports that Ear (a) “handle complex tracks with ease” and have a “fairly wide and expansive sound” for truly wireless buds theguardian.com. They can “hit very low notes when required” yet still reveal plenty of detail in the treble, avoiding a muddy sound theguardian.com. Out of the box, the Ear (a) are a tad more bass-leaning than Ear (2) – Nothing added a Bass Lock (enhance) feature in the app with levels from 1 to 5 theguardian.com. This caters to bass lovers, but you can also adjust the EQ or use the personal sound profile test (on Ear 2) to tailor the output. The Ear (2) were praised for being “far more balanced and refined” than their first-gen predecessors, making music more enjoyable and each instrument more audible instead of smeared together theverge.com. In absolute terms, Nothing’s earbuds might not outshine a $250 Sony or Sennheiser in audiophile metrics, but for their price they deliver outstanding sound – arguably beating many competitors around $100–150. They support hi-res codecs (a rarity in this range), and their default tuning aims for a pleasing mix of clarity and depth. One limitation is on iPhone they fall back to AAC codec, but that’s true of all non-Apple buds. The bottom line: Nothing hasn’t just relied on looks – they’ve tuned their Ear series to where even discerning listeners and reviewers say it “sounds very similar to their more expensive Ear siblings” and comfortably outperforms most rivals on sound at this price theguardian.com.

Soundcore’s Liberty 4 NC takes a slightly different approach by appealing to the tinkerers. Right out of the box, the Liberty 4 NC have a “rich sound signature” with powerful bass response and bright treble that many casual listeners enjoy currently.att.yahoo.com. In fact, one expert noted that most people might prefer the Liberty 4 NC’s default sound over the tuning of the newer Liberty 5, thanks to the 4 NC’s lively yet clean balance loudnwireless.com. The earbuds use 11 mm dynamic drivers (Soundcore calls them “oversized” drivers) with a special design to minimize distortion even at higher volumes soundcore.com soundcore.com. They support SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs soundguys.com, covering both iPhone and Android hi-res needs (though using LDAC will reduce battery life). According to PCMag, the Liberty 4 NC “produce robust bass depth”, yet also manage clear mids and highs, especially once you tweak the settings in the app priceme.co.nz priceme.co.nz. The real strength here is customization: via the Soundcore app you get 22 EQ presets plus a fully manual 8-band EQ soundguys.com, as well as a unique HearID feature that tests your hearing and generates a personalized EQ profile. This means if you’re not fond of the default sound (which some found a bit bass-heavy on certain presets soundguys.com), you can dial it in to your exact preference – something less accessible on AirPods or Nothing’s app. The Liberty 4 NC also boast a simulated 3D surround sound mode, and while it’s more of a novelty than Apple’s well-integrated spatial audio, it’s there for those who want an expansive feel for movies. In terms of quality, Soundcore’s tuning received positive feedback; the Liberty 4 NC earned a near-perfect 4.9/5 score in SoundGuys’ objective sound tests (MDAQS) for timbre accuracy and immersiveness soundguys.com, indicating very faithful audio reproduction for the money. They deliver “deep bass and crisp highs”, and importantly, minimal distortion – the sound remains clean even when pushing low frequencies priceme.co.nz priceme.co.nz. All told, the Liberty 4 NC can compete with earbuds twice their price in audio performance, especially after a bit of EQ tweaking. They may lack the prestige of a high-end brand, but to many reviewers’ ears, Soundcore nailed the audio quality and features on these buds. As PCMag concluded, they “deliver on multiple fronts, with a rich sound signature, impressive noise cancellation, and a standout companion app” – a combination that earned Liberty 4 NC an Editors’ Choice award for noise-cancelling earbuds under $100 priceme.co.nz priceme.co.nz.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Comparison

Apple set out to make the AirPods Pro 3 the noise-cancelling earbuds to beat in 2025, and on paper it looks like they succeeded. Apple claims the Pro 3 deliver “the world’s best ANC of any in-ear wireless headphones” apple.com apple.com, now filtering up to 2× more noise than the already-good AirPods Pro 2 and 4× more than the original AirPods Pro from 2019 apple.com. How are they achieving this? Partly through the new ear tip design (the foam-infused tips create a better seal to passively block sound), and partly through upgraded internal mics and algorithms. The ANC system listens and adapts at high speed with Apple’s H2 chip, and with the improved seal, more ambient din can be canceled out. In practice, AirPods Pro 2 were among the top ANC performers (nearly on par with Bose and Sony’s flagships), so a doubling of noise reduction could put AirPods Pro 3 clearly ahead of the pack. In fact, Apple’s Tom Ternus boasted that they provide “fantastic sound quality and the world’s best ANC… taking personal audio to the next level.” apple.com Early reports confirm that the new AirPods hush environments extremely well – users can expect an eerily quiet background even on airplanes and busy streets. Tom’s Guide speculated that this improvement might “unseat the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds II and Sony WF-1000XM5” as ANC champs if testing pans out tomsguide.com. Another perk: Apple’s Transparency mode was also enhanced – it now dynamically reduces loud environmental noises (like sirens) while letting voices through, and personalized volume means the transition between ANC and ambient listening is smoother apple.com apple.com. All told, if maximum noise cancellation is your priority, AirPods Pro 3 appear to set a new gold standard in the category.

Nothing’s approach to ANC emphasizes intelligent adaptation at a very attractive price. The Nothing Ear (2) offered up to around 40 dB of noise reduction and introduced an Adaptive ANC mode that automatically adjusts the level based on your surroundings’ noise levels theverge.com. It also allowed a degree of personalization – Ear 2 can calibrate ANC to your ear canal fit and hearing via a test, attempting to maximize the effectiveness for each user theverge.com. With the Ear (a), Nothing went further: it officially supports four ANC levels (High, Mid, Low, Adaptive) with noise reduction up to 45 dB on max us.nothing.tech. This is an impressive spec, inching closer to what premium models advertise. Reviewers found that in real-world use, the Ear (a) do “a pretty good job” cancelling noise: on High mode they can dampen the low droning sounds of commuting and office chatter very noticeably, and even reduce higher-pitched sounds like keyboard clicks and voices better than the previous Nothing buds theguardian.com. The Adaptive mode is handy as it throttles ANC strength to save battery when you’re in quieter spots. While Nothing’s ANC won’t beat Apple or Bose at absolute cancellation (the Ear (a) “won’t trouble the best” on pure ANC performance theguardian.com), it is excellent for its price. The fact that you get true adaptive noise cancelling at ~$99 is a huge value win – one tech journalist even noted the Ear (a) have “better noise cancelling than most rivals” in that budget segment theguardian.com. Another plus: their ambient transparency mode is cited as “one of the better ones available” theguardian.com, letting in outside sound naturally without excessive hiss. For phone calls, Nothing uses Clear Voice technology with multiple mics to cancel background noises – call quality was rated as decent in both quiet and noisy settings, if not class-leading theguardian.com. In summary, Nothing’s ANC is surprisingly effective – it may lag just a bit behind the ultra-premium ANC of AirPods Pro or Sony, but it absolutely undercuts those in price. Commuters on a budget will likely be very pleased with what the Ear (a) or Ear (2) can block out.

Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, as their name implies (“Noise Cancelling”), put a lot of focus on ANC – and it shows. Anker built a multi-component system: each earbud has a high-sensitivity in-ear mic, an 11mm driver that’s engineered to counter noise, and a special noise-isolation chamber that all work together to cancel noise across frequencies soundcore.com soundcore.com. The company claims up to 98.5% of noise can be eliminated soundcore.com, a figure that in practice means very strong performance. Independent testing supports Soundcore’s ANC prowess: SoundGuys measured that the Liberty 4 NC reduced overall external noise by an average of 84%, which actually edged out the newer Liberty 5’s 76% reduction soundguys.com. Low-frequency rumbles (like airplane engines or buses) are particularly well handled – exactly where cheap ANC buds often struggle, the 4 NC excel. Users can choose between Normal ANC mode (max strength), Adaptive ANC 2.0 (which auto-adjusts like Nothing’s does), and even a Wind Noise Reduction setting to specifically handle gusty conditions. This is helpful if you’re biking or in a windy area where normal ANC might pick up whooshing; the Soundcore will engage an algorithm to minimize that. In everyday use, reviewers placed the Liberty 4 NC firmly in the top tier of ANC outside the big-name brands. One PCMag editor noted they offer “excellent active noise cancellation for the price” priceme.co.nz. They silence HVAC hum, traffic drone, and crowd murmur very effectively – you might only catch the higher-pitched sudden sounds faintly. It’s quite remarkable considering these buds often sell for under $100. Transparency mode is available too (though in honesty, Apple’s Transparency still sounds more natural to most people). If we compare across the board: AirPods Pro 3 likely still win in an absolute sense (especially for unpredictable noises), but Soundcore’s ANC is not far behind and even surpasses many mid-range competitors. Nothing’s ANC comes in slightly below those, but when factoring cost, both Nothing and Soundcore deliver outstanding noise-cancelling value. It’s safe to say that if you prioritize peace and quiet: AirPods Pro 3 are the new kings, yet Soundcore Liberty 4 NC are arguably the best noise-cancelling earbuds in the sub-$100 bracket priceme.co.nz priceme.co.nz, and Nothing’s latest are among the best in the sub-$150 tier theguardian.com.

Smart Features and Ecosystem Integration

In this era of “smart” earbuds, Apple undeniably leads in deep ecosystem integration. AirPods Pro 3 are packed with features that shine especially if you own other Apple devices. Setup is effortless – flipping open the case near an iPhone prompts instant pairing and iCloud sync across your Apple gear. They support automatic device switching, so your AirPods can jump from your Mac to your iPhone or iPad when needed. Siri is always just a “Hey Siri” away thanks to the H2 chip, allowing voice commands hands-free. New in AirPods Pro 3 are a couple of headline-grabbing smart features. First, the heart rate sensor: Apple embedded its smallest PPG sensor into these earbuds, enabling them to measure your pulse from your ear theverge.com. In concert with motion sensors and the iPhone’s Fitness app, you can now track workouts and calories without needing an Apple Watch theverge.com. This is a unique addition – previously only some niche fitness earbuds attempted this. Early users say it’s fairly accurate for steady-state cardio, making AirPods a convenient workout companion. Second, Apple introduced Live Translation mode: when activated, the AirPods Pro 3 can listen to someone speaking a foreign language and then play a translated version in your ear in near real-time theverge.com. This futuristic feature lowers the source volume and overlays the translation so you can carry on a conversation with someone even if you don’t share a language, and if needed, use your iPhone screen to show transcriptions theverge.com. It’s like having a Babel fish in your ear, leveraging Apple’s AI. In addition, AirPods Pro 3 inherit all the goodies of iOS 17/18: Personalized Spatial Audio profiles (tailored to your ear shape using the phone’s camera), Adaptive Audio mode (which blends ANC and Transparency intelligently), Conversation Awareness (the buds can detect when you start talking to someone and automatically lower volume and enhance voices), and more. With the U2 chip in the case, Precision Find My makes finding a misplaced case much easier on the Find My app. Essentially, Apple is positioning AirPods Pro 3 not just as earphones but as an extension of the iPhone – even adding Vision Procompatibility for immersive spatial audio experiences down the line. The caveat: these features are mostly Apple-exclusive. While you can use AirPods with Android as basic Bluetooth buds, you lose Siri, spatial audio, and cannot adjust settings (since there’s no official Android app). So, the ecosystem lock-in is real – they work best when you’re in Apple’s world.

Nothing, being a younger player, has built its ecosystem around the Nothing Phone (Android) but remains fairly open. If you do use a Nothing Phone (1 or Phone (2)), the Ear (2) and Ear (a) integrate seamlessly: the phone’s UI will show a pop-up for quick pairing, and all settings (ANC mode, EQ, controls) are baked into the system Bluetooth menus us.nothing.tech. For everyone else (Android or iPhone), the Nothing X app is the go-to for customizations us.nothing.tech. Impressively, Nothing provides this app on iOS as well, meaning iPhone users can still tweak ANC modes, update firmware, and use features like Low Lag Game Mode or Dual Connection. Speaking of which, multipoint pairing is fully supported on Nothing’s earbuds theguardian.com theguardian.com – you can connect to, say, a laptop and phone simultaneously and the buds will intelligently switch when a call comes in. This is something even Samsung and older Sony earbuds lacked, so kudos to Nothing for including Dual Connection (enabled via the app or native on Nothing Phone). In terms of controls, Nothing moved to force-sensitive stem squeezes (just like AirPods) on the Ear (2) and Ear (a) instead of touch taps theverge.com. This means far fewer accidental presses and a more precise control scheme (squeeze to play/pause, skip, change ANC mode, etc.), which reviewers found worked reliably theverge.com. You can remap these gestures in the app to functions of your choice (volume, voice assistant, etc.) us.nothing.tech. One feature unique to Ear (2) was Personal Sound Profile: a hearing test in-app that creates a custom EQ tuned to your hearing curve theverge.com. It’s a bit manual and some found the results hit-or-miss theverge.com, but it shows Nothing’s desire to add high-end personalization (similar to what Nura or Soundcore do). There’s also an ear tip fit test to ensure you have a proper seal for optimal ANC theverge.com. While Nothing doesn’t have fancy spatial audio or head-tracking, they cover most modern conveniences: in-ear detection (auto pause when you remove a bud), Find My Earbuds (emit a chirp via the app to locate a lost bud), and voice assistant support (triple-press can trigger Siri or Google Assistant from the buds, since there’s no always-on assistant built-in). The cross-platform flexibility is a strong point – unlike AirPods, which are somewhat crippled outside iOS, Nothing’s buds work almost equally well whether you have an Android or iPhone (minus codec differences). And if you do have a Nothing Phone, the integration – while not as extensive as Apple’s – is smooth and native. Overall, Nothing provides a surprisingly rich feature set without locking you into one ecosystem, a philosophy that many tech enthusiasts appreciate.

Soundcore (Anker) has made a name by offering feature-packed products at lower cost, and the Liberty 4 NC are no exception. Their strength lies in the Soundcore mobile app, which is consistently praised as “excellent” and a “standout companion app” priceme.co.nz. Once you pair the Liberty 4 NC (standard Bluetooth pairing, plus Google Fast Pair support for Android soundguys.com), the app gives you a buffet of options: you can toggle between ANC modes (including Outdoor, Indoor, Transport presets or Adaptive), adjust Transparency mode (with vocal mode emphasis if desired), and delve into the aforementioned EQ settings. The app also has a “HearID” hearing test similar to Nothing’s, which creates a personalized sound profile – many users report that this can significantly enhance their listening if the default tuning isn’t to their taste soundguys.com. Another customization: you can remap the touch or squeeze controls on the earbuds (e.g. single, double, long press actions) to different functions, giving more flexibility than some competitors. The Liberty 4 NC also support wear detection to auto-pause music. And notably, they too support multipoint connectivity – connecting to two devices at once – which is great for hopping between a laptop and phone soundguys.com. In terms of unique features, one thing to highlight is that earlier Soundcore Liberty models (like the Liberty 4 non-NC) included a heart rate sensor and fitness tracking through the app priceme.co.nz. The Liberty 4 NC dropped the heart-rate feature (likely to focus on lowering cost and improving ANC), so the NC model doesn’t track your pulse. However, the Liberty 5 (the 2024 successor) reintroduced some new tricks like sound leakage compensation and improved HearID tuning soundguys.com soundguys.com. Even so, Liberty 4 NC did enough to impress – they even dethroned Anker’s own Space A40 to become PCMag’s Editors’ Choice, largely because of the combination of top-notch ANC and the robust app feature set at a budget price priceme.co.nz priceme.co.nz. Cross-platform use is seamless: the Soundcore app works on Android and iOS, and aside from not being able to use Siri hands-free, you don’t lose functionality on an iPhone. The earbuds also support voice assistants triggered by a tap (works with Siri, Google, Alexa). One minor shortcoming: unlike Apple’s tight integration or Nothing’s Phone synchronization, Soundcore doesn’t have OS-level integration or flashy pairing animations – you’ll rely on the app for most interactions. But given that app’s quality (intuitive UI, tons of options, even firmware updates), it’s a worthy trade-off. In summary, Soundcore provides an abundance of smart features and customization – arguably more than even Apple or Nothing in raw count – with the caveat that they aren’t as deeply integrated into any single ecosystem. It’s a “jack of all trades” approach that gives the user control, which many tech-savvy consumers love.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery longevity is a critical factor for wireless earbuds, and here our three competitors diverge significantly. Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 saw an improvement in per-charge endurance over the last gen, now hitting about 8 hours of listening time with ANC on (up from ~6 hours on AirPods Pro 2) macrumors.com. This is a substantial 33% jump, attributable to either efficiency gains or slightly larger internal batteries. In real-world terms, 8 hours with noise cancelling will easily cover a long flight or a full workday of intermittent listening without needing to pop the buds back in the case. If you turn ANC off or use Transparency mode, Apple states you can get up to 10 hours on one charge tomsguide.com – an impressive figure, and a 67% increase in transparency mode playtime versus the previous model apple.com apple.com. However, somewhat controversially, the charging case of AirPods Pro 3 holds less additional charge than before: the case provides 24 hours of total listening time with ANC on (down from 30h in the Gen 2 case) macrumors.com. Some reviewers suspect Apple slimmed down the case or made internal space for the UWB chip and thus reduced its battery capacity. In practice, you’re still getting roughly 3 extra full charges from the case, which is plenty for most use cases – but it’s worth noting that the total combined battery life (around 32 hours with ANC off, 24 hours with ANC on) is only average by 2025 standards, and a bit below certain competitors. On the convenience front, Apple’s case supports MagSafe/Qi wireless charging as well as USB-C wired charging (Apple finally ditched the Lightning port). A 5-minute quick charge of the AirPods in case yields about 1 hour of listening, which can be a lifesaver when rushing out the door.

On the other hand, Nothing’s earbuds prioritize the case longevity a bit more. The Nothing Ear (2) advertise about 6.3 hours listening with ANC off (per charge) and 36 hours total with the case theverge.com. With ANC on, that drops to roughly 4 hours per charge and 22.5 hours total theverge.com. Those numbers were almost identical to the original Ear (1) and somewhat middling – enough for moderate daily use but not record-breaking. Recognizing this, Nothing gave the newer Ear (a) a boost: you get around 5–6 hours per charge (ANC on) according to tests theguardian.com, and the case holds about 3 additional charges, for roughly 24–25 hours total with ANC on theguardian.com (and up to 42.5 hours with ANC off, by their labs’ estimate us.nothing.tech us.nothing.tech). In other words, Ear (a) can last an hour or two longer than Ear (2) on each charge, a nice improvement likely due to a more efficient chipset or slightly bigger batteries. This puts Nothing on par with many mid-range earbuds – not exceptional, but solid. The transparent case for both models has a USB-C port and supports Qi wireless charging on the Ear (2) model us.nothing.tech. The cheaper Ear (a) notably omits wireless charging to save cost/space theguardian.com. Charging speeds are standard: about 1.5 hours to top up the earbuds in case fully us.nothing.tech. Nothing quotes a quick-charge of 10 minutes giving ~3 hours of playback on Ear (a) us.nothing.tech us.nothing.tech – handy if you need a quick boost. In everyday life, most users found Nothing’s battery life sufficient for commuting, work, and leisure, but heavy travelers might need to recharge the case more often on multi-day trips compared to, say, Soundcore. Still, given the compact size of the case now, the ~24 hours ANC-on endurance is quite decent. And importantly, the buds’ battery health is assured to 80% capacity for at least 500 cycles according to Nothing theguardian.com, suggesting they’ll last a couple years without major degradation.

Soundcore Liberty 4 NC absolutely shine in the battery department – a known strength of Anker. These earbuds are marathon runners: with ANC on, the Liberty 4 NC lasted just about 9 hours 53 minutes in standardized tests on a single charge soundguys.com. That basically rounds to 10 hours per charge with noise cancelling, which is outstanding (it even exceeds what Soundcore’s own specs list, which was ~8 hours ANC on at 50% volume soundcore.com soundcore.com, indicating their estimates were conservative or their test louder). With ANC off, you can get up to 10 hours easily, potentially a bit more in real use soundcore.com – Soundcore advertises 10 hours normal / 8 hours ANC, and about 50 hours total with case (normal) or 40h (with ANC) soundcore.com soundcore.com. These figures dwarf most competitors: for perspective, Liberty 4 NC’s case + buds can deliver nearly double the total playtime of AirPods Pro 3’s combo. This means less frequent charging and more listening. One caveat: if you engage LDAC codec (which increases power draw) and ANC simultaneously, battery drops – expect roughly 5 hours per charge in LDAC+ANC mode, or ~25h total soundcore.com. But that scenario is when pushing the buds to their hi-res limits; with standard AAC or SBC, you’ll get the full endurance. The Liberty 4 NC case is a bit larger because it carries a big battery – providing around 4-5 extra charges to the earbuds. Impressively, despite the huge capacity, it still supports wireless charging (along with USB-C). A quick-charge feature gives about 4 hours of listening from 10 minutes of charging in the case soundguys.com soundcore.com, which is among the best fast-charge performances on the market. Essentially, Soundcore built these for power users who might listen all day or take long flights. Even the updated Liberty 5 couldn’t match the 4 NC’s raw battery life (Liberty 5 dropped to ~7 hours ANC on per charge, possibly for a smaller form factor) soundguys.com. So, if battery life is your priority, Soundcore Liberty 4 NC are the clear leader here – they outlast AirPods Pro 3 by a wide margin and also edge Nothing’s buds comfortably. The downside of such longevity is a slightly bulkier case and bud, but many find that a worthy trade-off.

In summary, Apple improved the AirPods’ battery enough for most day-to-day scenarios (8 hours ANC is very good), but if you need extreme endurance, Soundcore provides nearly 1.5x to 2x the stamina. Nothing sits in the middle, offering all-day use but nothing extraordinary. All three charge via modern USB-C; Apple and Soundcore add the convenience of wireless charging (and in Apple’s case, Watch charger compatibility too). It’s refreshing that even the budget options now give ~5–6 hours with ANC, a far cry from early true wireless earbuds that struggled to hit 3–4 hours. With these models, battery life is less of an anxiety – but the Liberty 4 NC certainly give the freedom to forget the charger for days.

Price and Value for Money

Pricing can often be the deciding factor, and here the differences are stark. Apple AirPods Pro 3 are positioned as a premium product, launching at $249 USD (₤249/€279 in Europe) theverge.com. Apple kept the price the same as the previous gen despite adding features – which some call generous, but it’s still among the most expensive in-ear options on the market. For that money, you get top-tier active noise canceling, the tight Apple integration, and new tech (sensors, UWB, etc.), but you’re certainly paying a premium largely for the brand and ecosystem perks. For Apple users invested in the ecosystem, the value is often justified by the convenience and resale value (AirPods tend to hold value decently). However, from a pure specs perspective, many competitors offer similar or even more features at a lower price – a fact not lost on reviewers.

Nothing has aggressively targeted the value segment while maintaining an aspirational aura for its products. The original Ear (1) started at $99; the Nothing Ear (2) bumped to $149 (likely due to upgrades and inflation) theverge.com. At $149, Ear (2) competed with the midrange – undercutting premium buds by $100+ but going against the likes of Samsung’s Galaxy Buds2/Pro and others. Later, Nothing introduced the Ear (a) at $99 (₹7,000 in India, £99 in UK) theguardian.com. This is remarkably low given that Ear (a) retained flagship-level features like ANC, LDAC, and multipoint. It’s clear Nothing wanted a killer entry-level product: as The Guardian put it, “Costing just £99, [Ear (a)] offer better sound and noise cancelling than most rivals, with a more interesting design” theguardian.com. Indeed, at $99, it outclasses many budget earbuds (which often lack hi-res codec, have weaker ANC, etc.). Even the $149 Ear (2) was considered a good deal; for example, compare £129 for Ear (2) vs £179 for OnePlus Buds Pro 2 or £199 for Google Pixel Buds Pro theguardian.com – Nothing was consistently cheaper than big brands while delivering competitive performance. Nothing’s strategy also includes frequent software updates adding features or improvements, which adds long-term value. The only hidden “cost” might be that Nothing is a newer brand (less established support network than Apple/Anker), but so far it’s been supporting its products well. In value-for-money, Nothing’s earbuds rank extremely high, especially the Ear (a). They make ANC and hi-res audio accessible at a fraction of the cost of AirPods Pro. For budget-conscious consumers or Android users wanting maximum features per dollar, Nothing is a compelling choice.

Anker Soundcore has built its reputation on value, and the Liberty 4 NC are a textbook example. With an MSRP of $99.99 soundguys.com, they were priced the same as the original Nothing Ear (1) and significantly below most name-brand ANC earbuds. Since their release in mid-2023, they’ve often been on sale for ~$79-$89, making them an absolute bargain. Reviewers were frankly astonished at what Soundcore delivered at this price – one writeup stated that given the features (ANC, wireless charging, LDAC, multipoint, etc.) and quality, “it’s getting really hard to compare [the $150 Soundcore Liberty 4] to earbuds like the $249 AirPods Pro and still declare Apple’s buds the winner” priceme.co.nz priceme.co.nz. That sentiment applies even more strongly to the Liberty 4 NC at $99. They provide 90% of the experience of $200+ flagship earbuds in many areas, for about half the cost. In late 2024, the Soundcore Liberty 5came out at ~$129 – still undercutting much of the competition. However, interestingly, the Liberty 5 didn’t unequivocally beat the 4 NC in performance (as we saw, the 4 NC still has better ANC and battery) soundguys.com soundguys.com. Thus the Liberty 4 NC remains a high-value pick. In fact, it won awards like PCMag’s Editor’s Choice specifically as the best noise-cancelling wireless earbuds under $100 priceme.co.nz. Soundcore also tends to include a lot of accessories (various ear tip sizes, etc.) and offers solid customer support, which add to the value equation. The only reason one might spend more on other brands would be if you require specific ecosystem integration (like AirPods with iPhone) or perhaps a particular sound signature. But for most, Soundcore hits the sweet spot: it’s hard to find another set of earbuds around $100 that checks as many boxes. As one PCMag editor summarized, the Liberty 4 NC are “well-rounded… for a reasonable price” priceme.co.nz, and easily justify every penny.

In a value showdown: AirPods Pro 3 justify their cost through premium features and the Apple ecosystem magic, but they are the priciest and offer diminishing returns per dollar (you pay a lot more for marginal gains in ANC and the Apple logo). Nothing Ear (2)/(a) deliver perhaps the best style and ANC/audio performance at their mid-to-low price, making higher-end features attainable for budget buyers. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offer an almost shockingly complete package at ~$100, arguably offering the highest raw feature-to-price ratio of the three – they’re an exemplar of value in wireless audio. The good news for consumers is that in 2025, you don’t have to drop $250 to get a great set of wireless earbuds; options like Nothing and Soundcore provide tremendous value, forcing even giants like Apple to keep innovating to defend their premium pricing.

Expert and Consumer Reviews

All three products have garnered strong reviews, though from slightly different audiences.

AirPods Pro 3, being brand-new (released September 2025), immediately made waves in the tech press. Early hands-on reviews highlight the successful improvements: better fit, better sound, and notably better noise cancelling. An audio reviewer at Tom’s Guide confessed, “I want some AirPods Pro 3… Apple has sorted the fit… improving on all the sonic complaints I had with the aging AirPods Pro 2” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. There’s a general consensus that Apple took an already excellent product and meaningfully refined it. CNET and TechRadar praised the new features like heart-rate tracking as forward-thinking, though some noted these are “nice-to-haves” rather than essentials for everyone. One potential point of critique that surfaced in user discussions is the battery case downgrade (the drop from 30h to 24h total ANC playtime) – but given the longer bud life, most find it acceptable. On forums, even some Android users admitted envy of the new AirPods’ capabilities, though they’re hesitant to buy since they can’t use all features on Android. In terms of awards, it’s too early, but you can expect AirPods Pro 3 to be in the running for “best overall earbuds” of 2025 in many publications. Apple’s track record and the glowing initial feedback indicate a hit. Consumer reviews will likely mirror this, with high marks for ANC and sound, and typical minor complaints (perhaps some will mention the high price or wish for customizable EQ, which Apple still doesn’t offer). Importantly, for iPhone users, the integration and ease of use often trump any minor audio quibbles – that intangible “it just works” factor is often reflected in user ratings, and AirPods Pro 3 should continue that trend.

Nothing Ear (2) and Ear (a) have been very well received by both experts and customers, considering their price points. Nothing Ear (2), released in 2023, got positive reviews: The Verge’s 8/10 review said the Ear 2 “sound far more balanced and refined” than the first gen and offer a bevy of features, though it did ding them for some “hit-or-miss” personalization software and average battery life theverge.com theverge.com. What Hi-Fi? praised their sound quality and design, giving them 4 stars for delivering on the promise of good audio at a midrange price. Nothing Ear (a) (2024) almost upstaged its older sibling – because at $99, it delivered nearly the same experience. The Guardian’s five-star review of Ear (a) concluded, “The Ear (a) are a great set of budget earbuds that beat rivals on sound and noise cancelling and have a standout design.” theguardian.com They particularly pointed out that most $99 competitors can’t match the audio fidelity and effective ANC that Nothing achieved. On user review sites, the Ear (a) also fare well: consumers love the design (some say “these are the coolest-looking earbuds I’ve owned”), and many comment that the sound is “punchy and clear” and ANC is “way better than expected at this price.” Complaints, when they arise, tend to be about the transparent case getting scratched, or occasional connectivity bugs (which Nothing has been addressing with firmware updates). Another point from user feedback: the transparent design is polarizing for some – a few people find it gimmicky, but most think it’s fresh. Overall, Nothing’s earbuds have built a reputation for delivering quality on a budget. They might not unseat flagship earbuds in absolute performance, but both professional reviewers and everyday users agree that in their price class, they are among the very best. It’s telling that many reviewers now mention Nothing in the same breath as Apple, Sony, Samsung when talking about top earbuds – quite an achievement for a young brand.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC has been something of a sleeper hit among tech reviewers and audiophiles on a budget. When they launched, SoundGuys rated them 8.2/10 and gave an Editor’s Choice badge, calling them “a contender for some of the best affordable noise canceling earbuds based on performance and value” soundguys.com. PCMag also rated them highly (an “Excellent” 4/5) and, as noted, crowned them Editor’s Choice in the sub-$100 category, praising the rich sound and top-notch ANC for the price priceme.co.nz priceme.co.nz. One quote from PCMag’s review encapsulates the sentiment: the Liberty 4 NC “deliver on multiple fronts” – great sound, “impressive noise cancellation, and a standout companion app”, making them easy to recommend to anyone seeking high-end features without the high-end price priceme.co.nz. Many YouTube reviewers and audio forums similarly were astonished at how much Soundcore packed in; it’s not uncommon to see comments like “these could be $150 and I’d still be happy, but at $99 they’re a steal.” Consumer reviews echo that: on Amazon and Best Buy, Liberty 4 NC hold strong ratings, with users frequently mentioning the long battery life and sound quality. A few user review snippets: “The bass hits hard but stays clean”, “ANC cancels out my subway commute noise almost completely”, “App features are on another level – I loved tweaking the EQ and doing the hearing test”. There are some criticisms: a subset of users with smaller ears found the fit of the Liberty 4 NC not as comfortable as they’d like (the buds are a bit larger than some competitors). Also, the design being a tad generic means they don’t “feel” as premium – one user said “they sound great, but the look is plain and the case is kind of big.” However, such quibbles are minor given the price. It’s telling that even after the Liberty 5 came out, many reviewers recommended either the 5 or sticking with the 4 NC because the older model still holds its own and can be found for cheaper. Soundcore has built trust in this segment, and the Liberty 4 NC strengthened that – they proved that you don’t need to spend a fortune for high-end audio and ANC.

In summary, experts generally agree that AirPods Pro 3 are the new benchmark for premium wireless earbuds (especially for Apple users), Nothing’s Ear (2)/(a) punch well above their weight and offer outstanding value for Android users or anyone who wants great sound/ANC at a low cost, and Soundcore’s Liberty series is the go-to recommendation for budget-conscious buyers who still want flagship-grade features. The public audience can take away that all three options are winners in their own lanes: it’s hard to go wrong, as long as you choose based on your ecosystem and budget. The abundance of positive reviews and quotes from trusted tech sites back up the credibility of these earbuds – whether it’s Apple’s claim of “world’s best ANC” being largely validated, or a budget earbud like Nothing Ear (a) being described as “an unbeatable value”, the praise is well-earned in each case theguardian.com priceme.co.nz.

Latest News and 2025 Launch Updates

As of September 2025, the wireless earbuds market has reached an exciting peak, with our three focus brands all making headlines:

• Apple has just launched the AirPods Pro 3 (shipping starting September 19, 2025) theverge.com. This is the first major AirPods Pro upgrade in three years, announced alongside the iPhone 17. The launch confirmed many rumored features – the heart-rate sensor and Live Translation were real, and Apple wowed audiences by claiming the new AirPods Pro 3 deliver the “world’s best ANC” of any earbuds apple.com apple.com. The tech press is abuzz with this news; Apple’s positioning of AirPods as quasi health devices (with fitness tracking) is seen as part of a broader trend, possibly tying into their AR/VR ecosystem (imagine using AirPods Pro 3 with Apple’s Vision Pro headset for immersive spatial audio). Also noteworthy: Apple’s decision to exclude a charging cable from the AirPods Pro 3 box made some news (continuing their push to reduce e-waste) theverge.com. For existing AirPods owners, Apple’s iOS 26 update (coming fall 2025) will bring some new features like using AirPods as a camera remote and improved call clarity, though those are minor compared to what’s in the Pro 3 theverge.com. Overall, AirPods Pro 3 are hitting the market with strong momentum, likely to be a hot seller this holiday season for those in the Apple camp.
• Nothing, after releasing Ear (2) in March 2023, followed up with Ear (stick) (a semi-open bud) later in 2022 and then the Ear (a) in April 2024. In 2025, Nothing has been relatively quiet on new earbuds – their focus was on the Phone (2) launch in mid-2025. However, there are rumblings that a Nothing Ear (3) could be in development for 2026, possibly integrating some of Qualcomm’s latest Bluetooth audio advancements (LE Audio, LC3 codec, etc., which the current models lack as noted in cons theguardian.com). The Ear (a) continues to be a strong seller in markets like Europe and India, often selling out due to its value proposition. Nothing’s founder Carl Pei has hinted on social media that they’re looking into adding spatial audio features in the future, and improving transparency mode further via updates. As of now, in late 2025, Nothing’s earbuds are holding their own and have carved out a fanbase. Tech news sites often mention Nothing when listing the best budget earbuds of 2025. No major new launches from Nothing Audio have occurred since the Ear (a), but given the annual cycle, we might expect an announcement in spring 2026 for the next big thing. Current news also includes Nothing expanding its retail presence – their earbuds are now available in more U.S. stores and carriers, reflecting growing acceptance of this young brand.
• Anker Soundcore has refreshed its lineup with the Liberty 5 (released mid-2024) and also other models like the Space series. The Liberty 5 introduced Bluetooth 5.4 and some new features (like adaptive sound leakage compensation and even faster charging) soundguys.com soundguys.com. However, as detailed earlier, the Liberty 4 NC remains extremely relevant in late 2025 due to its balanced performance. In fact, a recent SoundGuys article compared Liberty 5 and 4 NC and cheekily titled it “Save your money” – advising many users that Liberty 4 NC offers almost the same (or better in some ways) for less money soundguys.com soundguys.com. This kind of press actually boosts the Liberty 4 NC’s profile; savvy shoppers might opt for the discounted Liberty 4 NC over the newer model. Meanwhile, Anker has also been exploring the premium end: the Liberty 4 Pro (which confusingly came out around 2022) and possibly a future Liberty 5 Pro could target higher budgets. But as of September 2025, the Soundcore Liberty line is seen as the high-value alternative to the big names, and Anker continues to iterate on firmware – for instance, they issued updates improving wind noise reduction and multipoint stability on the 4 NC earlier in 2025. One snippet of news: with Android 14 rolling out widespread LE Audio support, there’s speculation that Soundcore might update some models to support the new LC3 codec (which could improve battery and multi-device audio). No confirmation yet, but it shows how Soundcore stays on the cutting edge of Bluetooth tech, often bringing it to affordable products quickly.

In broader context, 2025 has been a great year for wireless audio fans: we’ve seen Sony’s WF-1000XM5 (launched late 2024) maintain top noise-cancelling performance (though now challenged by AirPods Pro 3), Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2025) push the envelope in sound and ANC (with an expensive $299 tag), and interestingly, Nothing and Soundcore proving that you can get 80–90% of that high-end performance for a fraction of the price. Publications from Wired to Forbes have noted this “democratization” of premium features. Our comparison here exemplifies that trend: Apple leads in innovation (but at a cost), while Nothing and Anker excel in trickling down features to lower price points.

To conclude our 2025 update: Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 have set a new benchmark that all future earbuds will be compared against, Nothing’s Ear (2) and Ear (a) have shown that style and substance can go hand-in-hand without breaking the bank, and Soundcore’s Liberty series reaffirms Anker’s mastery of value, often exceeding expectations and nabbing awards in the process. It’s an exciting time to be in the market for wireless earbuds – the competition is fierce, which means consumers win by getting better products at better prices.

Conclusion

Choosing between Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, Nothing’s latest Ear series, and Anker’s Soundcore Liberty buds ultimately comes down to your priorities and ecosystem. AirPods Pro 3 are the no-brainer pick for Apple aficionados or anyone seeking the absolute best ANC and tightest iPhone integration – they offer a polished, high-end experience with improved fit, sound, and truly cutting-edge features like heart-rate tracking and instant translation. As one reviewer put it, Apple basically “spoils us” by packing all these upgrades in without a price hike tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. On the other hand, Nothing Ear (2) and Ear (a) prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to get premium sound and silence – they’re stylish conversation pieces that also deliver “great sound and noise cancelling for the price,” making them easy to recommend to the budget-conscious buyer theguardian.com. And if you value customization, huge battery life, and bang-for-buck, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC (and Liberty 5) deserve a look – as experts have consistently noted, Soundcore’s earbuds “deliver on multiple fronts” and can go toe-to-toe with pricier models in many aspects priceme.co.nz.

In 2025, the wireless earbud landscape offers something for everyone. AirPods Pro 3 represent the premium, feature-packed summit of what’s possible today. Nothing’s buds show an exciting future where design and affordability aren’t mutually exclusive. And Soundcore reminds us that relentless focus on value can yield products that make you wonder why one would ever pay more. The best part is that all three are excellent in their own right, backed by positive reviews from both professionals and everyday users. Whether you prioritize top-tier noise cancelation and Apple’s smart extras, or you’re after the best value with hi-res audio and solid ANC, you really can’t go wrong with any of these options.

As always, consider your own use case: iPhone users will adore the AirPods’ synergy; Android users might lean towards Nothing for flair or Soundcore for features. It’s a win-win-win scenario – and with constant updates and new releases on the horizon, the competition between Apple, Nothing, and Anker is only heating up, promising even better wireless earbuds for us all in the near future.

Sources: Apple Newsroom apple.com macrumors.com; The Verge theverge.com; Tom’s Guide tomsguide.com; The Guardian theguardian.com theguardian.com; The Verge (Nothing Ear 2 review) theverge.com; SoundGuys soundguys.com; SoundGuys (Liberty 5 vs 4 NC) soundguys.com soundguys.com; PCMag via PriceMe priceme.co.nz; MacRumors macrumors.com macrumors.com.