Compare Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Earbuds vs Nothing Ear (a) Earbuds

ANC performance ranges from solid to near-flagship when the seal is good, often compared favorably with AirPods Pro 2, but it is less convincing against voices and wind and generally trails the very best from Bose and Sony.

ANC is consistently rated as very good for $99: strong enough for commuting, offices, and travel, but still a step below the very best premium earbuds. The ANC controls are a plus, with multiple levels and adaptive behavior giving users more flexibility than many earbuds at this price.

Android works well for core playback and features through the Beats app, but it lacks some Apple-only conveniences and is held back by limited codec and multipoint support.

Android users get extra upside from features like Fast Pair and LDAC, making the Ear (a) a particularly good value outside closed ecosystems.

On iOS, many controls live in system settings; on Android, the Beats app covers essentials like modes, customization, and updates, but experiences vary depending on how much you care about deeper audio tweaking.

Nothing X is widely praised for being clean, stable, and genuinely useful rather than filler software, adding meaningful value to the overall package.

The Apple H2 chip delivers the most polished experience on iOS (fast pairing, device switching, Siri features), and it helps overall responsiveness and stability within the Apple ecosystem.

No aptX support is a downside for Android users who want Qualcomm codec options.

Video/audio latency is generally low; at least one reviewer specifically reports no noticeable lip-sync delay.

Bass is consistently highlighted as powerful and well-controlled for a Beats product, adding drive without usually overwhelming the mix, though it can boom at high volumes for some listeners.

Bass is energetic and satisfying, with enough weight for pop and hip-hop, but the default tuning can lean bass-heavy until you dial it back in the app.

Battery life is a major strength: most reports align with roughly 8 hours (ANC on) and up to 10 hours (ANC off), with a few tests exceeding the rated numbers.

Battery life is a clear plus overall, especially with ANC off, and most reviewers found the case and quick top-ups easy to live with day to day.

Connection stability is generally reported as strong in everyday use, especially on Apple devices, with few dropouts for audio playback.

Bluetooth stability is mostly solid, but there are scattered reports of stutters in interference-heavy areas, so reliability is good rather than flawless.

Build impressions are mixed: many call the redesign durable and sweat-ready for workouts, but a few reviews point to flimsy case parts or comfort/fit hardware that feels unforgiving.

General build quality is good enough for the price, but the clear plastics and case finish draw some concern about scratches, creaks, and long-term wear.

Physical buttons and volume rockers are widely appreciated for workouts (especially with gloves), with easy playback/volume control; a few users report accidental presses while inserting the buds.

The case is smaller than the original and generally functional with strong magnets, but it is still bulky compared with most earbuds; at least one review criticizes build/hinge feel.

The case is generally liked for its smaller footprint and pocketability, though some reviewers found it fiddly to open, awkward to load, or prone to cosmetic wear.

Charging is well modernized with wireless charging and fast-charge support; most reviewers like the convenience, even if the case itself remains sizable.

Charging is convenient thanks to fast USB-C top-ups, but the missing wireless charging is one of the most repeated compromises in the reviews.

Codec support is basic (AAC/SBC), which is fine for iOS but leaves Android users without higher-resolution options.

Codec support is strong for the price, covering AAC and SBC broadly while also adding LDAC for higher-quality Android listening.

Long-wear comfort is generally good for a sport earhook design, with many able to wear them for hours, but comfort varies widely: some reviewers felt hook or in-ear pressure after extended use and a few found them outright uncomfortable.

Long-session comfort is one of the most consistently praised traits, with reviewers repeatedly calling the earbuds easy to wear for hours without fatigue.

The redesign (smaller hook, slimmer housings, new colors) is widely seen as a meaningful refinement over gen 1, improving ergonomics and how they work with glasses, even if the look is still more conspicuous than standard earbuds.

Design is a major selling point: the transparent Nothing look feels distinctive, stylish, and far less generic than most earbuds in this price band.

Five tip sizes (XS to XL) and built-in fit tests help most users dial in a seal, but a minority still struggle to get a consistent seal with the stock tips (and seal quality strongly affects sound, ANC, and heart-rate tracking).

The included tip selection works for most listeners, but the fit options are not especially expansive, so very small ears may need more trial and error.

A recurring complaint is the lack of a true user EQ; you largely live with Beats/Apple tuning plus Adaptive EQ, which frustrates listeners who want to fine-tune bass/treble.

EQ options are helpful and easy to use, but customization depth is limited versus pricier models because the Ear (a) relies on a simpler 3-band approach.

Find My/Locate features are useful for tracking, but multiple reviews note it is more basic than AirPods Pro 2 (e.g., missing Precision Finding).

Find My is a small but appreciated bonus that makes the feature set feel unusually complete for budget earbuds.

Instrument separation is often praised as improved over older Beats buds, but it is not universally class-leading; some reviewers hear a slightly compressed presentation compared with the best premium earbuds.

Where instrument separation was discussed, the Ear (a) performed well, making layered parts and small details easier to pick out than expected for budget buds.

No LDAC support further limits high-bitrate Bluetooth audio on Android.

LDAC support is a real differentiator in this segment and repeatedly mentioned as one reason the Ear (a) feels more premium than its price suggests.

At high volumes, clarity generally holds up well without obvious distortion, though the overall tuning can get more bass-forward as you push volume.

Noise reduction on calls is typically praised for suppressing background noise, though wind handling and consistency vary by reviewer and device.

Voice isolation can be impressively effective in some tests, yet reviewer consensus is more mixed once wind and heavier background noise enter the picture.

Call mic quality is often rated very good, especially on iPhone with Apple processing, but at least one review reports highly inconsistent or poor call clarity.

Call quality is usually clear enough for everyday use, but it is not universally excellent, with some reviews reporting compressed or only average-sounding calls outdoors.

Midrange is generally clear enough for vocals and guitars, but a few reviews note occasional honkiness or distance that can make some vocals feel less present, especially when fit is off.

When reviewers called out the mids, they usually praised clear vocals and an open midrange, though the tuning is still more fun than strictly neutral.

They play nicely across Apple devices and are usable on Android/other Bluetooth sources, but true cross-platform flexibility can be hampered by pairing quirks and feature gaps.

Cross-platform behavior is a quiet strength, with reviewers liking that the core experience works well across Android, iPhone, and PC instead of favoring one ecosystem too heavily.

True multipoint is a notable omission; Apple device switching works smoothly via iCloud, but simultaneous multi-device connections (and some HR use cases) are limited.

Multipoint is a standout convenience feature here, with most reviews praising smooth two-device switching, though a few noticed occasional prioritization hiccups.

Passive isolation depends heavily on achieving a good seal; with the right tips it blocks a lot of gym/street noise, but inconsistent fit can let voices and sharp sounds leak through.

Pocketability is improved but still a weak spot: many can fit it in pockets, yet it is often described as chunky and better suited to a gym bag.

Adaptive EQ and mode-dependent tuning help keep sound consistent, but the experience can change with ANC/transparency on vs off; some reviewers prefer the sound with ANC/transparency enabled.

Sensors are a headline feature (in-ear detection and heart-rate monitoring). Heart-rate can match Apple Watch closely when it behaves, but multiple reviewers report dropouts, limited iOS app support, and inconsistent performance during runs.

In-ear detection and related sensor-based conveniences add polish, though fit sensitivity can occasionally trigger false pauses until the tips are dialed in.

Smudge and fingerprint resistance is noted as better than expected on at least one colorway/case finish, helping them look cleaner over time.

Setup is easy for many users (especially iPhone pairing), but heart-rate permissions, limited supported apps, and occasional pairing conflicts can make initial configuration frustrating for some.

Setup and day-to-day software use are repeatedly described as fast, intuitive, and frustration-free, which helps the earbuds feel polished beyond their price.

Overall sound is tuned for energy: punchy and engaging for workouts, with good detail for the category; audiophile-focused listeners may find it less refined than top-tier premium buds.

Across the reviews, sound quality is the Ear (a)'s biggest strength: lively, clear, and more refined than most sub-$100 rivals, even if it stops short of true flagship polish.

Soundstage is reported as reasonably open for in-ears, with some reviewers noting a bigger stage than prior Beats, while others still find it more compact than reference-grade earbuds.

Several reviews describe the presentation as wider and more spacious than expected at this price, helping music and movies feel less boxed in.

Spatial audio (often with head tracking on Apple devices) is available and generally works well, though not everyone prefers it for music and some note it changes the sound signature.

Earhook stability is a standout: most reviewers report the buds stay locked in through runs and gym sessions with minimal slippage, though a few note tips can loosen when readjusting and the hook can create pressure points for some ears.

Fit security is usually strong enough for commuting and light workouts, though a few reviewers still had occasional loosening depending on ear shape and activity.

The pinch-based controls are usually described as responsive and more reliable than typical tap controls, although some advanced gestures take practice.

Transparency mode is a strong point, frequently described as natural and easy to trust outdoors; a few reviewers still rate AirPods Pro 2 slightly more realistic, especially in high frequencies.

Transparency mode is usable and sometimes above average for the class, but it is also one of the most common weak spots, especially versus flagship rivals.

Treble is usually crisp and lively, but multiple reviewers mention either muted sparkle or occasional sharp/metallic moments depending on track, device, and fit.

Treble detail is generally strong for the class, but some listeners noted the top end is not as airy or extended as pricier earbuds.

USB-C is a welcomed update and, paired with wireless charging, makes top-ups simpler than the previous Lightning-era Beats cases.

Hands-free Siri and voice-assistant support are strong in the Apple ecosystem, and basic voice assistant access is available across platforms.

They can play loud with plenty of headroom, and several reviewers note extra energy/volume compared with some competitors.

Volume output is strong, with enough headroom for outdoor use, though not every reviewer found it exceptionally loud versus the broader market.

IPX4 is adequate for sweat and light rain, but several reviewers call it underwhelming for a fitness-first product and note tougher-rated rivals exist.

The buds are seen as gym- and commute-friendly thanks to their splash resistance, but the lower-rated case means the protection is not equally robust everywhere.

Despite being chunkier than non-hooked buds, weight is usually not noticeable once seated, helped by the lighter redesign; comfort issues tend to come more from hook pressure than sheer weight.