Nothing Ear (1) vs Sony ULT Wear
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (1) delivers exceptional value as a compact in-ear option with 11.6mm drivers, dual ANC modes, and 24-hour total battery life through wireless charging at just $99. Sony ULT Wear takes a premium over-ear approach, offering 30-hour ANC battery life, multipoint Bluetooth, LDAC hi-res audio support, and ULT bass customization for $199. Sound quality favors Sony with larger 40mm drivers and superior codec support, while Nothing prioritizes portability and affordability with lighter 4.7g earbuds. Sony's quick-charge feature (10 minutes for 5 hours) and multipoint connectivity add productivity value. However, Nothing's wireless charging and IPX4 water resistance suit active users better. For bass-focused listeners wanting room-filling sound and extended listening sessions, Sony ULT Wear justifies the price premium. Budget-conscious consumers or those prioritizing portability should choose Nothing Ear (1). Sony emerges as the winner for overall sound quality and features.
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 ULT Wear if…
- →ULT bass button adds two levels of genuinely impactful bass boost
- →50-hour battery without ANC is industry-leading endurance
- →LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint at just $199 is outstanding value
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 ULT Wear
Pros
- ULT bass button adds two levels of genuinely impactful bass boost
- 50-hour battery without ANC is industry-leading endurance
- LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint at just $199 is outstanding value
- Effective ANC that rivals headphones at twice the price
- Sony's proven comfort and lightweight design
Cons
- ULT bass mode can overwhelm mids and treble at max setting
- No IP rating — not suitable for gym or outdoor use
- Bluetooth 5.2 instead of newer 5.3
- Plastic build feels less premium than XM5
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (1) | Sony ULT Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.7 g (each) | 255 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 30 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs |
| Drivers | 11.6mm dynamic driver | 40 mm |
| 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 | ULT button for extra bass — two bass boost levels, Adaptive Sound Control, LDAC hi-res audio, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, 360 Reality Audio |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | None |
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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