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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize call quality and use during exercise and don't mind a slightly smaller battery life, the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) would be better, as it has a higher rating for calls and is both sweatproof and dustproof. However, if you prefer a longer battery life and active noise canceling for air travel or noise isolation, the Sony WF1000XM5 with its higher ratings in those areas might suit you better. Both have similar overall sound quality, but the Sony has a better soundstage, which can enhance the listening experience for music. Note that the "Nothing" Ear (2) also offers a low latency mode for gaming, which the Sony model lacks. 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
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
7.0
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good.
Gaming
8.5
5.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
7.9
5.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.1
4.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
8.0
5.4
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.0
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both very good for noise reduction, though the Sony WF1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Battery
6.7 Hours
9.0 Hours
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$298
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has a price of $149 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has excellent build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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How the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | "Nothing" Brand | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.1/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.9/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.9/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.7 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3. | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.4 Grams | 6 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 WF1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) or the Sony WF1000XM5
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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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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