Nothing Ear (2) vs Sony WH-1000XM4
Nothing Ear (2) delivers impressive value as a compact, stylish in-ear option with personalized ANC via Mimi hearing tests and hi-res LHDC 5.0 support—ideal for mobile users seeking portability. Sony WH-1000XM4 represents premium over-ear engineering with industry-leading ANC, superior 30-hour battery life, and LDAC codec support, justifying its $349 price tag for discerning audiophiles prioritizing comfort during extended sessions. Nothing excels in portability and personalization for daily commutes; Sony dominates sound quality, noise isolation, and endurance. Budget-conscious buyers should choose Nothing; those valuing best-in-class ANC and audio fidelity should invest in Sony's proven flagship.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (2) | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.5 g (per bud) | 254 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) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | 11.6 mm dynamic driver with custom diaphragm | 30 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 | 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 | LHDC 5.0, AAC, SBC | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| 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 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
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 WH-1000XM4.