Nothing Ear (1) vs Sony WH-1000XM4
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (1) delivers impressive value at $99 with solid ANC in two modes, an 11.6mm dynamic driver, and 24-hour total battery life via case. Its lightweight design and IPX4 rating make it convenient for daily use, though the 4-hour ANC playback is modest. Sony WH-1000XM4 operates in an entirely different tier at $349, featuring industry-leading Dual Noise Sensor ANC, 30-hour battery life with ANC on, LDAC hi-res audio support, and multipoint connectivity. The over-ear design and larger 30mm drivers provide richer sound and superior comfort for extended sessions. Sony's quick-charge capability (10 minutes for 5 hours) outpaces Nothing's standard USB-C and wireless charging. While Nothing suits budget-conscious buyers seeking portable ANC earbuds, Sony WH-1000XM4 remains the superior choice for those prioritizing audio quality, battery endurance, and feature-rich functionality. Choose Nothing for casual listening and commuting; choose Sony for professional use and discerning listeners.
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 WH-1000XM4 if…
- →Class-leading active noise cancellation that blocks almost all ambient sound
- →LDAC support delivers hi-res wireless audio quality
- →Exceptional 30-hour battery life with fast charging
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 WH-1000XM4
Pros
- Class-leading active noise cancellation that blocks almost all ambient sound
- LDAC support delivers hi-res wireless audio quality
- Exceptional 30-hour battery life with fast charging
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
- Comfortable over-ear fit with plush earcups for long sessions
Cons
- Plastic build feels less premium than rivals at the same price
- Touch controls can be accidentally triggered
- No IP rating — avoid using in rain or at the gym
- Microphone quality is average for calls
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (1) | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.7 g (each) | 254 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 30 hrs (ANC on) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | 11.6mm dynamic driver | 30 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 | Industry-leading ANC with Dual Noise Sensor technology, LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, Adaptive Sound Control, DSEE Extreme upscaling, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Wearing detection |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| 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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Nothing products or all Sony products. View full details for the Nothing Ear (1) or the Sony WH-1000XM4.