Nothing Ear (2) vs Sony WF-C500
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (2) and Sony WF-C500 target different priorities despite similar price positioning. Nothing's $149 offering excels with active noise cancellation, hi-res LHDC 5.0 codec support, and Mimi hearing personalization for audiophiles seeking premium sound. The 11.6mm dynamic driver with custom diaphragm delivers richer audio than Sony's smaller 5.8mm driver. However, Sony's WF-C500 compensates with exceptional battery longevity: 10 hours per charge versus Nothing's 4-6 hours, totaling 20 hours with case compared to 22.5 hours. Nothing edges ahead with Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint connectivity and superior water resistance (IP54 buds), while Sony opts for Bluetooth 5.0 without multipoint. Sony lacks ANC entirely, a significant omission at this price. Nothing's transparent design and glyph case add distinctive appeal, though comfort depends on fit given 4.5g buds versus Sony's 5.5g. For commuters prioritizing battery life and budget consciousness, Sony wins. For sound quality enthusiasts valuing ANC, hi-res audio, and multipoint features, Nothing Ear (2) justifies the $50 premium. Choose Nothing if audio matters most; select Sony for endurance and simplicity.
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 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 (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 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 (2) | Sony WF-C500 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.5 g (per bud) | 5.5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs buds (ANC on) / 6.3 hrs (ANC off), up to 22.5 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 10 hrs (20 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C |
| Drivers | 11.6 mm dynamic driver with custom diaphragm | 5.8mm 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 | DSEE digital sound enhancement, 360 Reality Audio, Sony Headphones Connect app, Fast Pair for Android |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | LHDC 5.0, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IP54 (buds), IP55 (case) | IPX4 |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
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 (2) or the Sony WF-C500.