Nothing Ear (1) vs Sony WF-1000XM4
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (1) offers surprising competence at $99, featuring an 11.6mm driver, dual ANC modes, and Qi wireless charging in a lightweight 4.7g package. Battery life reaches 4 hours with ANC on or 5.7 hours without, stretching to 24 hours total with the case. Sony WF-1000XM4 commands a significant $279 premium, delivering superior real-world performance through its Integrated Processor V1, LDAC Hi-Res Audio support, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, and longer 8-hour playback with ANC enabled. The Sony earbuds weigh 7.3g each and include practical features like Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound Control, and 360 Reality Audio. Sound quality differences favor Sony noticeably, with richer codec support and processing power creating more detailed audio. ANC performance also tilts Sony's direction, though Nothing's dual modes (Light and Maximum) impress for the price. Nothing excels in value and lightweight comfort, making it excellent for casual listeners and travelers on budgets. Sony justifies its cost through superior audio engineering, battery endurance, and advanced features like dual device connectivity. Both offer IPX4 water resistance and Qi charging. Choose Nothing for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing lightweight design and essential features, or Sony for audio enthusiasts demanding premium sound quality and extended listening sessions.
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 WF-1000XM4 if…
- →Industry-leading ANC in a true wireless form factor at launch
- →LDAC support enables Hi-Res wireless audio streaming
- →8-hour battery with ANC is strong for true wireless earbuds
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 WF-1000XM4
Pros
- Industry-leading ANC in a true wireless form factor at launch
- LDAC support enables Hi-Res wireless audio streaming
- 8-hour battery with ANC is strong for true wireless earbuds
- Speak-to-Chat pauses audio when you start talking
- Foam ear tips provide excellent passive noise isolation
Cons
- Foam ear tips degrade over time and need replacement
- IPX4 is basic splash resistance — not suitable for heavy sweat
- At 7.3 g per earbud they are slightly heavier than competitors
- Charging case is bulky compared to AirPods Pro
- Touch controls can be oversensitive on the small surface area
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (1) | Sony WF-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.7 g (each) | 7.3 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 8 hrs (ANC on), 12 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C, Qi wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback |
| Drivers | 11.6mm dynamic driver | 6mm dynamic driver |
| 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 | Integrated Processor V1 for ANC and audio, LDAC for Hi-Res Audio wireless, Speak-to-Chat automatic pause, Adaptive Sound Control, 360 Reality Audio, Sony Headphones Connect app |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
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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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