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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and noise isolation, the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 may be the better choice, although it's more expensive, less comfortable for exercise, and has shorter battery life. However, if you prefer better value with similar overall sound quality, longer battery life, extensive app features for customization, a lighter build, and you intend to use earbuds for gaming or calls, the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) could be more suitable, especially with its low-latency mode. Both options provide active noise canceling and are sweatproof, so they can handle workout sessions. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
- The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has no clear advantages over the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2).
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
5.3
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Phone Calls
5.0
7.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
9.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
TV and Video
5.6
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
6.7 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life.
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Key similarities
Music
6.7
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) to be good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.0
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both very good for noise reduction.
Cost
$149
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has a price of $149 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) costs $149.
Build Quality
8.9
9.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) to have excellent build quality, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 | "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | March 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.8/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 7.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 6.7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.75 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3. | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 19 | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
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Dig into reviews and images
Major HiFi
Chris Golembeski | January 2023
"Bowers and Wilkins isn’t looking to make an obscure, premium wireless bud catered specifically towards audiophiles. Instead, it seems apparent that they’re going for the crown: a cool and popular look, an easy and comfortable fit, and an engaging stage with a great balance that is perfectly suited for mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike."
"Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | March 2023
"For the price the Nothing Ear (2) is pretty good. It fits well, and the IP54 rating (and IP55 with case) is durable enough for daily life. Most of its unique features are found in the Nothing X app, such as personalized frequency responses, and personalized, adjustable ANC."
Get a great deal on the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 or the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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