Nothing Ear (2) vs Sony WH-CH720N
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (2) delivers premium features in a compact form factor with hi-res LHDC 5.0 support, personalized ANC, and a stylish transparent design at $149. Sony WH-CH720N offers traditional over-ear comfort with exceptional 35-hour battery life on ANC and reliable LDAC codec support. For portable audio enthusiasts valuing cutting-edge features and aesthetics, Nothing Ear (2) excels with dual connectivity and custom sound profiles via Mimi hearing tests. Sony targets commuters and casual listeners seeking all-day comfort and marathon battery stamina. Nothing's 4-6 hour bud life requires frequent charging despite the case, while Sony's 35-hour endurance dominates longevity. Sound quality differences favor Nothing's hi-res capability, though Sony's DSEE upscaling and EQ customization provide solid flexibility. Comfort preferences determine the winner: choose Nothing for style and portability, Sony for sustained wearability and battery confidence.
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 WH-CH720N if…
- →Exceptional 35-hour battery life with ANC is class-leading
- →Ultra-lightweight at 192 g for comfortable all-day wear
- →LDAC codec support for high-resolution wireless audio
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-CH720N
Pros
- Exceptional 35-hour battery life with ANC is class-leading
- Ultra-lightweight at 192 g for comfortable all-day wear
- LDAC codec support for high-resolution wireless audio
- Multipoint Bluetooth for seamless dual-device switching
- Solid noise cancellation at a very competitive $149 price
Cons
- ANC is noticeably weaker than premium XM5 headphones
- 30mm drivers produce smaller, less dynamic soundstage
- Plastic build feels cheap compared to premium Sony models
- No water resistance for gym or outdoor use
- Ear cushions are thinner and less comfortable than XM5
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (2) | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.5 g (per bud) | 192 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs buds (ANC on) / 6.3 hrs (ANC off), up to 22.5 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off), 3 min = 1 hr playback |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C |
| Drivers | 11.6 mm dynamic driver with custom diaphragm | 30mm |
| 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 | Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat automatic pause, DSEE upscaling for compressed audio, Multipoint Bluetooth, Sony Headphones Connect app with EQ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | LHDC 5.0, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IP54 (buds), IP55 (case) | 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.
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