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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize excellent noise isolation and sound quality for music, opt for the Sony WF1000XM4; however, they are more expensive, lack low latency for gaming, and are known for a less consistent mic quality, which might affect calls. On the other hand, the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is somewhat less expensive with better gaming performance due to its low latency mode and stronger calls and meetings performance. Though the Ear (2) provides a very good overall sound quality, it might not match Sony's sound detail for music listening. The choice hinges on whether you value gaming and call performance over top-tier music listening quality. 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)
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM4
- Excellent for music
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.0
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is excellent for music, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good.
Gaming
8.5
5.6
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is poor.
Phone Calls
7.9
6.7
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.1
10.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent.
TV and Video
8.0
6.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair.
Battery
6.7 Hours
9.0 Hours
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM4 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$220
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has a price of $149 and the Sony WF1000XM4 costs $220.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
8.0
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM4 and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both very good for noise reduction.
Build Quality
9.0
8.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) to have excellent build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM4 has very good build quality.
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How the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) and the Sony WF1000XM4 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) | Sony WF1000XM4 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $220 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | "Nothing" Brand | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | July 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.1/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.9/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.9/10 | 6.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.7 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3. | 5.2 | |
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 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.4 Grams | 6.5 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 WF1000XM4
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | March 2023
"The headphones deliver a satisfying user experience, class-leading battery life, some of the best noise-cancelling we’ve heard in this category, and absolutely stunning sound quality."
Get a great deal on the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) or the Sony WF1000XM4
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.
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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
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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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