Sony MDR-EX14APB
Nothing Ear (3)
What Buyers Say
Sony MDR-EX14APB
These Sony budget earbuds are praised for their decent sound quality, comfort, and affordability. Users highlight that they are lightweight, comfortable for extended wear, and offer good value for under $20. However, the bass is somewhat lacking compared to higher frequencies, and the cord is described as flimsy. Overall, they are recommended as a reliable, inexpensive option for casual listening.
Pros
- Decent sound quality
- Very comfortable for long wear
- Lightweight design
- Great value for under $20
- Includes multiple ear tip sizes
Cons
- Weak bass response
- Flimsy cord
- Volume control doesn't work
- Muffled call quality for some
- Left/right labels hard to read
Nothing Ear (3)
The Nothing Ear (3) earbuds receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their impressive sound quality, effective 45dB active noise cancellation, and stylish transparent design. Users highlight the comfortable fit, solid battery life, and convenient features like dual connect and pinch controls. However, a few concerns include microphone failure after a few months for one user, and another notes that while good, the earbuds don't quite live up to the hype from YouTube reviews, with mid-level noise cancellation. Overall, they are seen as excellent value, especially when purchased at a discount.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass
- Effective 45dB active noise cancellation
- Stylish transparent design
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Microphone failure after a few months
- Noise cancellation is only mid-level
- Battery life with ANC around 5.5 hours
- Does not fully live up to YouTube hype
- Case larger than AirPods Pro
Scores
Specifications
| Sony MDR-EX14APB | Nothing Ear (3) | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | — | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | Large, Medium, Small | Small, Medium, Large |
| Weight | — | 0.01 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 9 mm | 12 mm★ |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Freq Min | 8 Hz★ | 20 Hz |
| Freq Max | 22 kHz | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 108 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Codecs | — | LDAC |
| Surround | — | Simulated Surround, Stereo |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | hybrid |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.4★ |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | — | Bluetooth |
| Range | — | 10.100000381469727 m★ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 10 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 1.5 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 5 |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 19 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | — | 6★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✓★ |
| App | Smart Key app | Nothing X |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✓★ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Water Resistance | — | Water-Resistant |
Pros & Cons
Sony MDR-EX14APB
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average sound (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average comfort (29th percentile)
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Nothing Ear (3)
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong comfort (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong anc (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
Verdict
Scores 85 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 22 of 38 specs.