Nothing Ear (open) vs Sony LinkBuds S
Nothing Ear (open) prioritizes ambient awareness and audio quality with larger 14.2mm drivers, LDAC support, and exceptional 8.5-hour battery life at a $149 price point. Sony LinkBuds S focuses on active noise cancellation and portability with featherweight 4.8g buds, advanced processing chips, and adaptive sound control, though battery drops to 6 hours with ANC enabled. Sound signature differs significantly—Nothing delivers open, spacious audio ideal for mixed listening environments, while Sony excels in isolation with best-in-class ANC implementation. LinkBuds S adds wireless charging and speak-to-chat convenience, but commands a $50 premium. For budget-conscious buyers seeking versatile, high-res audio without isolation, Nothing Ear (open) offers superior value. However, commuters and ANC enthusiasts should invest in Sony's more refined, feature-rich experience. Choose Nothing for openness and battery longevity; choose Sony for noise cancellation and premium features.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (open) | Sony LinkBuds S |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 8.1 g (each) | 4.8 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 8 hrs, 30 hrs total with case | 6 hrs buds (ANC on), 14 hrs additional with case |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 14.2 mm titanium-coated driver | 5 mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Open-ear design for ambient awareness, Directional audio minimizes sound leakage, LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Bass Enhance and custom EQ, Nothing X app with equalizer | 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 | LDAC, AAC, SBC | LDAC, LC3, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IPX4 (buds) |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Nothing Ear (open)
Pros
- Open-ear design lets you hear your surroundings while enjoying music
- LDAC and multipoint at $149 is excellent value
- 8-hour battery per charge is generous for open earbuds
- Directional drivers minimize sound leak to bystanders
- IP54 dust and water resistance for outdoor use
Cons
- No noise cancellation by design — not for noisy environments
- Bass is inherently weaker than sealed in-ear designs
- 8.1 g per bud is heavier than traditional earbuds
- Open design means music is audible to nearby people
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
Related Comparisons
Explore more in headphones, see all Nothing products or all Sony products. View full details for the Nothing Ear (open) or the Sony LinkBuds S.