AirPods Pro (1st gen)
True-wireless · 2019
Nothing Ear (2) · Arctic White
True-wireless · 2023
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Pro (1st gen) lands at 86 and Nothing Ear (2) · Arctic White at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick AirPods Pro (1st gen) if…
- ✓Compact carry
- ✓Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- ✓Quick pair
Pick Nothing Ear (2) · Arctic White if…
- ✓Compact carry
- ✓Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- ✓Quick pair
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound
TieCompared on the sound sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Comfort
TieCompared on the comfort sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Noise cancelling
TieCompared on the noise cancelling sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Nothing Ear (2) · Arctic WhiteSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Nothing Ear (2) · Arctic White more score per dollar ($149 vs $249).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Pro (1st gen) | Nothing Ear (2) · Arctic White |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True-wireless | True-wireless |
| Release year | 2019 | 2023 |
AirPods Pro (1st gen)
- +Compact carry
- +Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- +Quick pair
- −Battery life limited
- −Fit varies by ear
- −Case bulkier than pod
Nothing Ear (2) · Arctic White
- +Compact carry
- +Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- +Quick pair
- −Battery life limited
- −Fit varies by ear
- −Case bulkier than pod
FAQ: AirPods Pro (1st gen) vs Nothing Ear (2) · Arctic White
Which is better, AirPods Pro (1st gen) or Nothing Ear (2) · Arctic White? +
Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods Pro (1st gen) worth the price? +
At $249, AirPods Pro (1st gen) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.
Is Nothing Ear (2) · Arctic White worth the price? +
At $149, Nothing Ear (2) · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.
Does AirPods Pro (1st gen) or Nothing Ear (2) · Arctic White last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is the better value, AirPods Pro (1st gen) or Nothing Ear (2) · Arctic White? +
Nothing Ear (2) · Arctic White — more score per dollar ($149 vs $249). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.