Powerbeats Pro 2 vs Nothing Ear (3): which should you buy?

Get the Nothing Ear (3). They weigh less per bud and carry a dust rating on top of their water rating. Nothing lists 5.2 g per earbud and rates them IP54 against dust, sweat and light rain. Beats lists the Powerbeats Pro 2 at 8.7 g per earbud, with IPX4 buds and a case that is not water resistant. Pinch controls handle music, calls, volume and noise canceling, so a set stays hands-free.

Who should get the Powerbeats Pro 2

Get the Powerbeats Pro 2 if you want heart rate data from your ears. Beats builds sensors into the buds that send live readings to Apple Fitness, Apple Health and compatible gym equipment, and ear hooks hold them in place. They also suit long trips: Beats states 10 hours per charge and 45 hours with the case, with noise canceling off.

The differences that matter

Weight comes first. A bud that weighs less sits more quietly in the ear through a run or a long set, and the Nothing Ear (3) weigh less per bud by the makers' own figures above.

Protection comes second. The Nothing Ear (3) add dust to their sweat and rain rating, which counts on a trail or in a gym bag.

Battery runs the other way. With noise canceling on, Nothing states 5.5 hours per charge and 22 with the case, or 10 and 38 hours with it off, and Beats states 8 hours per charge with it on. That is the reason to weigh the Powerbeats Pro 2 for long days away from a charger.

For sound, the Nothing Ear (3) play Hi-Res Audio over LDAC and offer an equalizer in the Nothing X app. The Powerbeats Pro 2 offer Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking.

Price and value

Checked Nov. 15, 2026, the Powerbeats Pro 2 cost $221.30. Checked Nov. 15, 2026, the Nothing Ear (3) cost $99. The difference between the two is $122.

Get the Nothing Ear (3) for a light, dust-rated pair. Get the Powerbeats Pro 2 for heart rate and battery.