Nothing Ear (1) vs Sony LinkBuds
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (1) delivers active noise cancellation and solid dynamic drivers at an aggressive $99 price point, featuring dual ANC modes and customizable EQ through their app. Sony LinkBuds take a different approach with an innovative open ring driver design that prioritizes ambient awareness, weighing just 4.1g per earbud and offering true multipoint Bluetooth connectivity. Battery life slightly favors Sony at 5.5 hours per charge versus Nothing's 4 hours with ANC enabled. Sound signature differs fundamentally: Nothing provides isolation-focused listening with punchy 11.6mm drivers, while Sony prioritizes comfort and environmental connection for all-day wear. Both support AAC codec and IPX4 water resistance. For commuters or those seeking immersion, Nothing Ear (1) offers exceptional value with ANC at this price. For open-design comfort and seamless device switching, Sony LinkBuds justify their premium despite lacking ANC. Choose Nothing for noise isolation on a budget; select Sony for lifestyle versatility and comfort-first design.
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 Sony LinkBuds if…
- →Unique open ring design keeps you aware of surroundings
- →Ultra-lightweight at 4.1 g — barely noticeable in the ear
- →Wide Area Tap lets you control playback by tapping your face
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
Sony LinkBuds
Pros
- Unique open ring design keeps you aware of surroundings
- Ultra-lightweight at 4.1 g — barely noticeable in the ear
- Wide Area Tap lets you control playback by tapping your face
- Multipoint for seamless switching between devices
- IPX4 for rain and light sweat
Cons
- Open design means zero noise isolation and significant sound leak
- 5.5-hour battery is shorter than most competitors
- Bass response is inherently limited by the open driver
- Unusual fit may not work for all ear shapes
- $179 is pricey given the sound quality limitations
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (1) | Sony LinkBuds |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.7 g (each) | 4.1 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 5.5 hrs (17.5 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C |
| Drivers | 11.6mm dynamic driver | 12mm ring driver (open design) |
| 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 | Open ring driver design — hear surroundings naturally, Wide Area Tap for touch-free controls, DSEE digital sound enhancement, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, Adaptive volume control, Multipoint connection |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
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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