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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are a premium choice that come with features like AptX Adaptive support and noise canceling, making them great for immersive audio experiences and hi-fi music enthusiasts. On the other hand, the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) offers value for money with low latency mode, which is beneficial for gaming and watching TV, and they have a longer battery life. The PI7 might be more suitable if you prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation, but if you are looking for a cost-effective option with decent performance for everyday use and a better battery life, the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) might be a better fit. 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 PI7
- The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 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 TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Phone Calls
5.1
7.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.8
9.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
TV and Video
6.8
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Battery
3.0 Hours
6.7 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$399
$149
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has a price of $399 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) costs $149.
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Key similarities
Music
6.8
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) to be good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Gaming
8.1
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) and Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are both very good for gaming.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.0
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both very good for noise reduction.
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 PI7 has very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins PI7 | "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$399 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2021 | March 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6.9/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 3 Hours | 6.7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.7 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3. | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | 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 | 8.5/10 | 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) | 7 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Chase Bernath | April 2022
"The primary selling point of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is the charging case that can transmit audio from any analog source to the earbuds. If you have a very specific and clear need for that feature, then the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is for you."
"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 PI7 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.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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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