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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The HifiMan Edition XS offers superior sound quality and an excellent soundstage, making them great for critical listening, while their open design means they're not ideal for loud environments due to poor noise isolation. They are wired, may be less comfortable for long periods, and not suitable for outdoor activities like exercising. Conversely, "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) earbuds provide good sound quality, better comfort, and added convenience of wireless connectivity with features like active noise cancelling, sweat and dust resistance, making them versatile for daily use including travel, exercise, and calls. They also support quick charging and longer battery life, which are practical for on-the-go use. If budget is a concern, "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) earbuds offer a more affordable yet high-value option with a compromise in ultimate audio quality and open soundstage experience that HifiMan provides. 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 HifiMan Edition XS
- Very good for music
- Best in class for TV and video
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.8
7.0
The HifiMan Edition XS is very good for music, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good.
Gaming
7.4
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the HifiMan Edition XS is good.
Phone Calls
5.0
7.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the HifiMan Edition XS is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
9.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the HifiMan Edition XS is good.
TV and Video
9.5
8.0
The HifiMan Edition XS is best in class for TV and video, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for noise reduction, while the HifiMan Edition XS is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.7 Hours
The HifiMan Edition XS does not have a battery. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$269
$149
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The HifiMan Edition XS has a price of $269 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) costs $149.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has excellent build quality, while the HifiMan Edition XS has very good build quality.
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How the HifiMan Edition XS and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HifiMan Edition XS | "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$269 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HifiMan | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2021 | March 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.5/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6.7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3. | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 421 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
HifiMan Edition XS
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Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | January 2023
"The Edition XS easily compete with headphones in their price range with a very high price-to-performance ratio. The XS are an amazing value and offer performance not far off from headphones more than twice their cost. These will be a mind-blowing revelation for enthusiasts and music lovers who have only heard standard big-brand mainstream headphones."
"Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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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 HifiMan Edition XS or the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
About HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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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