Nothing Ear (1) vs Nothing Ear (2)
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (2) represents a meaningful upgrade over the original Ear (1) for audiophiles willing to spend an additional $50. Both feature identical 11.6mm dynamic drivers and solid ANC implementation, but Ear (2) adds LHDC 5.0 hi-res audio codec support for superior sound quality on compatible devices. Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity on Ear (2) enables seamless switching between two devices simultaneously, a feature absent in Ear (1). Battery performance slightly favors Ear (2), offering 6.3 hours with ANC off versus 5.7 hours. Water resistance improves to IP54/IP55 versus IPX4. Ear (1) remains exceptional value at $99 with competent ANC and transparency modes, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers. However, Ear (2) justifies its premium through hi-res audio, dual device connectivity, and personalized sound profiles via Mimi hearing tests. Choose Ear (1) for affordability; select Ear (2) if you prioritize audio quality and multi-device convenience.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Nothing Ear (1) if…
- →Iconic transparent design with unique aesthetic
- →ANC and wireless charging at just $99 is outstanding value
- →Comfortable and lightweight at 4.7 g per earbud
Buy the Nothing Ear (2) if…
- →Striking transparent design that stands out
- →Hi-res LHDC 5.0 codec support and personalized sound profile
- →Bluetooth multipoint for two-device pairing
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Nothing Ear (1)
Pros
- Iconic transparent design with unique aesthetic
- ANC and wireless charging at just $99 is outstanding value
- Comfortable and lightweight at 4.7 g per earbud
- Squeeze gesture controls are intuitive and precise
- Qi wireless charging case adds convenience
Cons
- 4-hour ANC battery life is quite short
- No multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
- ANC is mild — doesn't match premium competitors
- Limited codec support — AAC and SBC only
- Transparent case shows dust and scratches easily
Nothing Ear (2)
Pros
- Striking transparent design that stands out
- Hi-res LHDC 5.0 codec support and personalized sound profile
- Bluetooth multipoint for two-device pairing
- Comfortable, lightweight fit with secure seal
- Affordable at $149
Cons
- ANC is good but not class-leading
- Battery life with ANC on is shorter than rivals
- App and feature support is best on Nothing phones
- Pinch controls take getting used to
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (1) | Nothing Ear (2) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.7 g (each) | 4.5 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 4 hrs buds (ANC on) / 6.3 hrs (ANC off), up to 22.5 hrs total with case (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 11.6mm dynamic driver | 11.6 mm dynamic driver with custom diaphragm |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation with two modes (Light and Maximum), Transparency Mode, In-ear detection for auto play/pause, Nothing app with EQ customization, Squeeze gesture controls on stems | Personalized active noise cancellation, LHDC 5.0 hi-res audio support, Personal Sound Profile via Mimi hearing test, Dual connection (Bluetooth multipoint), Pinch-stem controls, Transparent design with glyph case |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | LHDC 5.0, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP54 (buds), IP55 (case) |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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