Nothing Ear (1) vs Sony WF-C700N
The Verdict
Both earbuds deliver solid ANC performance at competitive price points, but they cater to different priorities. Nothing Ear (1) features a larger 11.6mm driver and transparent design with customizable squeeze controls, though ANC battery life drops to just 4 hours. Sony WF-C700N counters with superior endurance, delivering 7.5 hours with ANC enabled and includes multipoint connectivity for seamless device switching. Sony's 10-minute quick charge providing 1 hour of playback proves more practical for daily use. Sound quality favors Nothing's larger driver, while Sony excels in features and versatility. For users prioritizing sound quality and unique design, Nothing Ear (1) edges ahead. However, Sony WF-C700N's longer battery life, multipoint support, and fast charging make it the smarter choice for heavy users who value convenience and all-day reliability.
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-C700N if…
- →ANC at $119 is exceptional value — best noise cancellation under $150
- →Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
- →Multipoint connection handles phone and laptop simultaneously
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-C700N
Pros
- ANC at $119 is exceptional value — best noise cancellation under $150
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
- Multipoint connection handles phone and laptop simultaneously
- IPX4 water resistance for workouts and commuting
- 7.5-hour battery with ANC is competitive at this price
Cons
- No LDAC — limited to SBC and AAC codecs
- ANC is effective but not as strong as WF-1000XM5
- No wireless charging on the case
- Bass can sound slightly thin compared to pricier Sony models
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (1) | Sony WF-C700N |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.7 g (each) | 4.6 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 7.5 hrs ANC on (15 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C, 10 min = 1 hr playback |
| Drivers | 11.6mm dynamic driver | 5mm 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 | Active Noise Cancellation, Ambient Sound mode, DSEE digital sound enhancement, Multipoint connection, Sony Headphones Connect app EQ customization |
| 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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Nothing products or all Sony products. View full details for the Nothing Ear (1) or the Sony WF-C700N.