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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value overall sound quality and portability, and are looking for earbuds for exercise or air travel, the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) would be a good choice due to its higher sound and portability ratings. However, if you frequently take calls or meetings and prioritize microphone quality, the Sony WF1000XM3 with its slightly better mic performance might be a better fit, despite its larger size. The Sony model also features virtual surround, which can enhance your listening experience for certain content, while the "Nothing" earbuds offer a low latency mode which could be favorable for gaming and video. Keep in mind that while the "Nothing" earbuds are often less expensive, they also have lower soundstage and imaging scores compared to the Sony WF1000XM3. 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 "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
- Very good for phone calls
Key differences
Gaming
8.5
5.6
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
TV and Video
8.0
5.7
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Battery
6.7 Hours
6.0 Hours
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$180
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has a price of $149 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
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Key similarities
Music
7.0
7.5
The Sony WF1000XM3 and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both good for music.
Phone Calls
7.9
8.2
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WF1000XM3 to be very good for phone calls, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.1
8.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) to be excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is very good.
Noise Reduction
8.0
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM3 and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both very good for noise reduction.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) and Sony WF1000XM3 both have excellent build quality.
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How the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | "Nothing" Brand | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.1/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.9/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.7 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3. | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.4 Grams | 9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
"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."
Sony WF1000XM3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
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About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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.
Jason Lew
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.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
Luis Torres
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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