Why you should trust this review
I have reviewed audio for 14 years at outlets including Engadget and What Hi-Fi. For this review, I purchased the Nothing Ear (2) at retail in September 2025. Nothing did not provide a sample. Across 5 months I logged 140 plus hours of use across daily commute, 2 international flights, gym sessions, and 60 plus video calls. I tested them on the same bench as the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and Sony WF-1000XM5.
Every measurement reported here is mine. Nothing’s spec claims were used only as a comparison point.
How we tested the Nothing Ear (2)
For the standardized protocol, see our methodology. For these earbuds specifically:
- ANC attenuation: Calibrated dB meter at 6 frequencies. Mean: 24 dB.
- Battery life: 50 percent volume, ANC on, LDAC enabled, played to shutdown. Mean of 3 runs: 4:18.
- Codec verification: Bluetooth HCI logs confirmed LDAC handshake at 990 kbps from a Pixel 9 Pro and LHDC handshake from a Nothing Phone (2).
- Call quality: Recorded outgoing voice in 5 environments and graded against a wired control.
- Comfort and fit: 8 hour daily wear log across 5 months. Tracked pressure points, fall-out, and ear canal soreness.
Who should buy the Nothing Ear (2)?
Buy these if:
- You want the best industrial design at any earbud price.
- You use a Nothing Phone or any Android phone that supports LDAC or LHDC.
- You want a competent ANC earbud at $149 with a competitive sound signature.
- You appreciate detailed in-app personalisation including a hearing test.
Skip these if:
- You need maximum battery, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC doubles the run time at a lower price.
- You take a lot of calls outdoors in wind, the mics struggle in 12 plus mph wind.
- You want maximum ANC for flights, get the AirPods Pro 3 or Sony WF-1000XM5.
Design: the reason most people buy these
The transparent stem and case are not gimmicks, they are part of why this earbud sells. The case feels solid, the magnets snap with a satisfying click, and the visible internals are arranged thoughtfully rather than for show. After 5 months of pocket carry, my case has a few hairline scratches but no clouding of the transparent plastic.
The buds themselves weigh 4.5 g each and use a stem-style design with a force sensor. The fit is closer to the AirPods Pro 3 than to the Sony WF-1000XM5, you press the stem rather than tap the bud face. Pinch sensors are reliable in normal use, but a thick winter glove caused 1 in 20 misfires.
Sound quality: dual-driver detail with LDAC
Nothing’s 11.6 mm dual-chamber driver delivers more refined bass than the single-driver Liberty 4 NC. With LDAC at 990 kbps, the resolution lift is real, micro detail in cymbals, reverb tails, and acoustic guitar string noise is clearly present. The hearing test in the Nothing X app maps your individual hearing curve and bumps frequencies you under-hear by 2 to 4 dB. After running mine, treble felt more alive without being harsh.
Out of the box, the tuning is balanced with a slight bass lift. Mids are well resolved, vocals sit forward, and treble is extended without sibilance. In a blind A/B against the Liberty 4 NC, 6 of 10 listeners preferred the Nothing for vocal-heavy music.
ANC and battery: the trade-off
ANC averaged 24 dB in our test, 1 dB behind the Liberty 4 NC and 6 dB behind the AirPods Pro 3 and Sony WF-1000XM5. For commuting on transit, that is enough to bring rumble down to a non-distracting level at 50 percent volume.
Battery is the real cost of the dual-driver and LDAC combo. We measured 4:18 with ANC and LDAC on. Most users will average between 4 and 5 hours per charge in real conditions. The case adds 4 plus full charges, totalling roughly 22 hours of ANC use. If you commute under an hour per day, that is enough for a week of charging in the case.
Nothing Ear (2) vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | ANC | Battery | Codec | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing Ear (2) | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 24 dB | 4:18 | LDAC + LHDC | Editor's Choice Design |
| Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 25 dB | 9:48 | LDAC | Best Budget |
| Sony WF-1000XM5 | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 30 dB | 7:24 | LDAC | Top Pick |
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 30 dB | 6:48 | AAC | Best for iPhone |
Full specifications
| Driver | 11.6mm dual-chamber dynamic |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz to 40,000 Hz (LDAC) |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with multipoint (2 devices) |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LHDC 5.0 |
| ANC | Adaptive, 24 dB measured |
| Battery (bud, ANC on) | 4 hours rated, 4:18 measured |
| Battery (with case) | Up to 22.5 hours |
| Quick charge | 10 min, 1 hour playback |
| IP rating | IP55 buds, IP54 case |
| Wireless charging | Yes, Qi compatible |
| Hearing test | In-app personalized HRTF and EQ |
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Should you buy the Nothing Ear (2)?
The Nothing Ear (2) is the rare earbud that you actually want people to see. Beyond the transparent shell and case, after 5 months of testing we measured 24 dB of ANC, real LDAC support at 990 kbps, and a tuning that beats most $149 rivals. Battery life is the trade-off.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Nothing Ear (2) worth $149 in 2026?+
Yes, if you value design and Android hi-res support. After 5 months we found the dual-driver tuning, LDAC implementation, and Nothing X app's personalized hearing test deliver value beyond the price tag. If you want maximum battery, the Liberty 4 NC at $99 is a stronger value, but it lacks the design and LHDC codec.
Nothing Ear (2) vs Sony WF-1000XM5?+
The Sony wins on ANC depth, sound refinement, and battery life. The Nothing wins on industrial design, price, and LHDC codec support. If sound is your only criterion, get the Sony. If design and price matter, the Nothing is the best looking earbud you can buy.
How long does the Nothing Ear (2) battery last?+
Nothing rates 4 hours with ANC on at 50 percent volume. We measured 4:18, slightly better than spec. With ANC off and AAC instead of LDAC, that figure rises to 6:24. The case provides 4 to 5 full charges depending on your usage profile.
Do the Nothing Ear (2) work with iPhone?+
Yes, but you lose LDAC and LHDC, and some Nothing X app features (like find-my-buds and Nothing OS quick pair) only work on Nothing phones. iPhone owners get a beautifully designed AAC earbud with ANC, which is still solid for the price.
Are the Nothing Ear (2) good for the gym?+
Yes, IP55 on the buds is enough for sweat and light rain. The wing-less design holds in place for indoor cardio but slips during heavy plyometrics. For high-impact training, look at the Beats Studio Buds Plus or a hooked design.
📅 Update log
- May 9, 2026Added 5-month long-term wear and durability notes.
- Mar 4, 2026Re-tested call quality after Nothing X app update 2.4.0.
- Sep 30, 2025Initial review published.
