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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Nothing Ear (2) is a more budget-friendly option that provides good quality sound and a sleek design, but if you're looking for top-of-the-line noise cancellation, superior sound quality, and comfort for longer use, the Sony WH-1000XM5 would be a better choice. Keep in mind, the WH-1000XM5 headphones may also have better build quality and longer battery life, making them suitable for frequent travelers or those who want to invest in a premium audio experience. However, if portability and lower cost are your priorities without significantly compromising on audio quality, the Nothing Ear (2) earbuds could be the right fit for you. 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 WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
7.0
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good 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 WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
7.9
5.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.1
6.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair.
TV and Video
8.0
5.8
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for TV and video, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.0
9.1
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good.
Battery
6.7 Hours
40.3 Hours
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$398
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has a price of $149 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) to have excellent build quality, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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How the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | "Nothing" Brand | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.1/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.9/10 | 5.6/10 | |
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 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.7 Hours | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3. | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.4 Grams | 249.4 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 WH-1000XM5
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Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Get a great deal on the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) or the Sony WH-1000XM5
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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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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