Nothing Ear (2) vs Sony ULT Wear
Nothing Ear (2) delivers impressive audio quality in a compact form factor with LHDC 5.0 hi-res support, personalized ANC, and a striking transparent design at $149. Sony ULT Wear counters with substantially longer battery life (30 hours with ANC), more powerful 40mm drivers, and immersive 360 Reality Audio processing, though at $199 and lacking water resistance. For commuters prioritizing portability and daily convenience, Nothing Ear (2) excels with IP54 protection and wireless charging. For studio enthusiasts and extended listening sessions, Sony ULT Wear's superior battery endurance and bass-boosting ULT feature make it worthwhile. Ultimately, Nothing Ear (2) represents better value for casual users, while Sony ULT Wear justifies its premium for serious audiophiles demanding all-day wireless performance.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (2) | Sony ULT Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.5 g (per bud) | 255 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs buds (ANC on) / 6.3 hrs (ANC off), up to 22.5 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 30 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs |
| Drivers | 11.6 mm dynamic driver with custom diaphragm | 40 mm |
| 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 | ULT button for extra bass — two bass boost levels, Adaptive Sound Control, LDAC hi-res audio, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, 360 Reality Audio |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | LHDC 5.0, AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IP54 (buds), IP55 (case) | None |
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 ULT Wear
Pros
- ULT bass button adds two levels of genuinely impactful bass boost
- 50-hour battery without ANC is industry-leading endurance
- LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint at just $199 is outstanding value
- Effective ANC that rivals headphones at twice the price
- Sony's proven comfort and lightweight design
Cons
- ULT bass mode can overwhelm mids and treble at max setting
- No IP rating — not suitable for gym or outdoor use
- Bluetooth 5.2 instead of newer 5.3
- Plastic build feels less premium than XM5
Related Comparisons
Explore more in headphones, see all Nothing products or all Sony products. View full details for the Nothing Ear (2) or the Sony ULT Wear.