Nothing Ear (1) vs Sony WF-C500
The Verdict
Both earbuds compete effectively at the $99 price point with distinct strengths. Nothing Ear (1) features active noise cancellation with two modes, larger 11.6mm drivers, and wireless charging, making it superior for users prioritizing noise isolation and sound customization. Sony WF-C500 counters with significantly longer battery life, delivering 10 hours per charge compared to Nothing's 4 hours with ANC enabled, plus 360 Reality Audio for spatial sound. Sony's simpler feature set focuses on reliability and endurance, while Nothing emphasizes control and audio personalization. For commuters seeking all-day battery and passive listening, Sony wins. For those wanting ANC and sound tuning at this price, Nothing Ear (1) delivers better features despite shorter playtime. Sound quality differs noticeably: Nothing's larger driver provides more dynamic response, while Sony prioritizes clarity and processing. Neither supports multipoint connectivity or premium codecs. Choose Nothing if ANC matters most; pick Sony for marathon battery life and straightforward operation.
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-C500 if…
- →10-hour battery life per charge is outstanding for the price
- →Compact, lightweight design disappears in the ear
- →DSEE upscaling improves compressed audio quality
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-C500
Pros
- 10-hour battery life per charge is outstanding for the price
- Compact, lightweight design disappears in the ear
- DSEE upscaling improves compressed audio quality
- IPX4 sweat resistance handles workouts
- Reliable Sony sound quality at a budget-friendly price
Cons
- No ANC or ambient sound mode
- No multipoint Bluetooth connection
- No wireless charging case
- Basic microphone quality — not ideal for calls
- SBC/AAC only — no high-resolution codecs
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (1) | Sony WF-C500 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.7 g (each) | 5.5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 10 hrs (20 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C |
| Drivers | 11.6mm dynamic driver | 5.8mm 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 | DSEE digital sound enhancement, 360 Reality Audio, Sony Headphones Connect app, Fast Pair for Android |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| 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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Nothing products or all Sony products. View full details for the Nothing Ear (1) or the Sony WF-C500.