Nothing has recently launched its next-generation earbuds (ear 2) with its iconic transparent design. The new buds feature improved sound quality, better Active Noise Cancellation, and a new game mode. But, how favorable are these improvements over its predecessor, and the foremost question is it worth the upgrades?
Design
When Nothing first introduced its earbuds to the world, it delivered what was promised; lightweight and comfortable truly wireless earbuds that give edge-to-edge competition to premium earbuds like Airpods and Galaxy buds. Fast forward to today, Nothing has launched 3 new earbuds over the two years time period. All stay true to their nature and provide a comfy and solid sound experience.
The first thing you’ll notice in all earbuds is their unique transparent design. The design reveals what’s inside the buds or dares I say gives you the illusion of it. Cause most internal components stays still hidden.
Nothing’s entire buds lineup features both transparent buds and case, in which Ear Stick (4.4 g, 46.3g)) is the lightest while Ear 1 (4.7 g, 57.4g) is heaviest but marginal.
The noticeable difference you’ll find on a charging case where both Ear 1 & 2 shipped with a square case whereas Ear Stick has a cylindrical case that rotates to open.
Sound Quality
Almost all earbuds have their unique audio quality, but I prefer Ear 2 audio which incorporates improved 11.6 mm drivers and delivers stunning and melodious sound. The Ear Stick has 12.6 mm drivers, so you’ll be getting slightly louder audio quality, but for better clarity and crispness, my money is on Ear 2. Nothing shipped them with ANC technology to filter unnecessary noise and deliver clear sound whether you listen to your favorite track or talk to someone.
Battery
In terms of battery, all Nothing earbuds become better over time. Also, battery capacity will depend on listener usage. All I can say is that every bud offers up to 30 hours of playback with the charging case and up to 6 hours with one continuous charging. The number gradually decimates when you turn on Active Noise Cancellation.
Protection
The Nothing Ear 1 is certified with IPX4 technology and Ear Stick is certified with IP54 technology. These apply only to buds and not to the case. Whereas, the newly launched Nothing Ear 2 bud is certified with an IP54 rating and the case is certified with IP55. So, it will protect your earbuds from dust, sweat, and light water.
Nothing Ear (2): In A Nutshell
Improved sound quality with AI noise reduction
With an 11.6 mm custom driver and dual chamber design, Nothing promises better audio quality than its predecessor along with Ai noise reduction to filter out over 20 million sound samples.
New Active Noise Cancellation
Nothing’s new ANC technology will personalize Active Noise Cancellation according to the exact shape of a listener’s ear canal. The technology will automatically adapt to the listener surrounding environment and set the volume accordingly.
Long battery & Water Resistance
The new ear (2) will give you up to 36 hours of music playback from the case. And 8 hours after 10 minutes of fast charging. With an IP54 rating, It will stay protected from sweat and dust. Moreover, the case is IP55 certified.
Dual connection & Nothing ‘X’ app
With dual connection supports, you can connect two devices simultaneously or easily switch between them without latency. For better control over sound quality, Nothings offers ‘X’ App to customize settings like EQ and gesture controls.
Full Comparison
| Comparison | Nothing Ear (2) | Nothing Ear (1) | Nothing Ear (Stick) |
| Dimensions Ear Bud | Height: 29.4 mm Width: 21.5 mm Depth: 23.5 mm Weight: 4.5g | Height: 28.9 mm Width: 21.5 mm Depth: 23.5 mm Weight: 4.7g | Height: 29.8 mm Width: 18.8 mm Depth: 18.4 mm Weight: 4.4g |
| Dimensions Case | Height: 55.5 mm Width: 55.5 mm Depth: 22 mm Weight: 51.9g | Height: 58.6 mm Width: 58.6 mm Depth: 23.7mm Weight: 57.4g | Height: 87.1 mm Width: 29.8 mm Depth: 29.8 mm Weight: 46.3 g |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes, Up to 40 dB Personalized ANC ear canal Three levels of ANC | Yes, up to 40 dB | No |
| Sound | 11.6 mm dynamic driver | 11.6 mm dynamic driver | 12.6 mm dynamic driver |
| Microphone | 3 mics in each bud and Clear Voice Technology with 3 decibels higher noise elimination | 3 mics in each bud with Clear Voice Technology | 3 mics in each bud |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Version 5.3 | Bluetooth Version 5.2 | Bluetooth Version 5.2 |
| Protection Rating | IP54 Buds and IP55 Case Rating | IPX4 Buds | IP54 buds |
| Battery | Up to 6.3 hours on buds Up to 36 hours on case ANC playback: Up to 22.5 hours with case & 4 hours with buds ANC On Talk Time: up to 17.5 hours from Case and up to 3 hours from buds ANC Off Talk time: Up to 20.5 hours from Case and up to 3.5 hours from buds 10 minutes of fast charging for 8 hours (ANC Off) | Up to 5 hours on buds Up to 34 hours on the case Up to 1.2 hours of playtime with 10 minutes fast charge (ANC Off) | Up to 7 hours of playback time Up to 29 hours on the case Up to 9 hours of playback with 10 minutes of fast charging |
| Charging | USB Type-C Wired Up to 2.5W wireless | USB Type-C Wired Supports wireless charging | USB Type-C Wired No Wireless charging |
| Control | Press controls | Touch controls | Press Controls |
| Compability | Android 5.1 and above OS 11 and above | Android 5.1 and above iOS 11 and above | Android 5.1 and above iOS 11 and above |
| Other highlighting features | Numerous customization on the ‘X’ app Dual connection In-ear detection LED charging status | Customise gesture controls Find my earbuds | Customise gesture controls Find my earbuds |
| Price | ₹. 9,999/- | ₹. 6,999/- | ₹. 8,499/- |