Nothing Ear (2) vs Sony LinkBuds S
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (2) delivers exceptional value with larger 11.6mm drivers, superior battery endurance (22.5 hours total with ANC off), and personalized sound via Mimi hearing tests,a strong choice for budget-conscious audiophiles. Sony LinkBuds S counters with refined LDAC codec support, industry-leading comfort through lighter design, and adaptive features like Speak-to-Chat that enhance everyday usability. Sound quality slightly favors Nothing's larger drivers and LHDC 5.0 support, while Sony excels in smart features and portability. Battery life heavily favors Nothing, offering 3.5 additional hours per charge. At $150 versus $199, Nothing Ear (2) provides substantially better bang-for-buck with comparable ANC and multipoint connectivity. Choose Nothing Ear (2) for audio enthusiasts prioritizing longevity and value; select Sony LinkBuds S if premium comfort and smart features justify the premium.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Nothing Ear (2) if…
- →Striking transparent design that stands out
- →Hi-res LHDC 5.0 codec support and personalized sound profile
- →Bluetooth multipoint for two-device pairing
Buy the Sony LinkBuds S if…
- →Extremely compact and lightweight — barely noticeable when worn
- →LDAC hi-res audio support at a sub-$200 price
- →Solid ANC performance for such a small form factor
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Nothing Ear (2)
Pros
- Striking transparent design that stands out
- Hi-res LHDC 5.0 codec support and personalized sound profile
- Bluetooth multipoint for two-device pairing
- Comfortable, lightweight fit with secure seal
- Affordable at $149
Cons
- ANC is good but not class-leading
- Battery life with ANC on is shorter than rivals
- App and feature support is best on Nothing phones
- Pinch controls take getting used to
Sony LinkBuds S
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight — barely noticeable when worn
- LDAC hi-res audio support at a sub-$200 price
- Solid ANC performance for such a small form factor
- Multipoint Bluetooth and Bluetooth LE Audio support
- Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control are genuinely useful
Cons
- Smaller driver means less bass depth than larger rivals
- ANC is good but not as powerful as Sony WH-1000XM5 or WF-1000XM5
- IPX4 only — not suitable for heavy sweat or rain
- Small ear tips may not seal well for all ear shapes
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (2) | Sony LinkBuds S |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.5 g (per bud) | 4.8 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs buds (ANC on) / 6.3 hrs (ANC off), up to 22.5 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 6 hrs buds (ANC on), 14 hrs additional with case |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 11.6 mm dynamic driver with custom diaphragm | 5 mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Personalized active noise cancellation, LHDC 5.0 hi-res audio support, Personal Sound Profile via Mimi hearing test, Dual connection (Bluetooth multipoint), Pinch-stem controls, Transparent design with glyph case | LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Integrated Processor V1 + QN1e chip, Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Smallest and lightest Sony ANC earbuds, Bluetooth LE Audio (LC3) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | LHDC 5.0, AAC, SBC | LDAC, LC3, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IP54 (buds), IP55 (case) | IPX4 (buds) |
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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