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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're focused on sound quality and portability for on-the-go use like exercise or travel, the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) may be worth the extra cost; they are small earbuds that offer good sound quality, and components are optimized for both Android and Apple devices. Additionally, they feature active noise cancelling and a low latency mode, which can enhance your listening experience. However, for long listening sessions where comfort is key, or if you need a longer-lasting battery for extended use, the Sony WH-CH520 headphones would be better as they are designed for comfort and have a significantly longer battery life. The Sony's lack of active noise cancelling and a lower portability score compared to the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are tradeoffs you should consider if you travel often or need to block out ambient noise. 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
- Good for exercise
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WH-CH520
- The Sony WH-CH520 has no clear advantages over the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2).
Key differences
Music
7.0
7.6
The Sony WH-CH520 and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both good for music, though the Sony WH-CH520 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
7.9
6.7
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the Sony WH-CH520 is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.1
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-CH520 is very good.
Noise Reduction
8.0
4.6
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for noise reduction, while the Sony WH-CH520 is poor.
Battery
6.7 Hours
52.0 Hours
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-CH520 has 52 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$40
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has a price of $149 and the Sony WH-CH520 costs $40.
Build Quality
9.0
7.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has excellent build quality, while the Sony WH-CH520 has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
8.5
8.8
The Sony WH-CH520 and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both very good for gaming.
TV and Video
8.0
8.2
The Sony WH-CH520 and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both very good for TV and video.
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How the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) and the Sony WH-CH520 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) | Sony WH-CH520 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $40 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | "Nothing" Brand | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | April 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.1/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.9/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.9/10 | 6.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.7 Hours | 52 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1 Hours | 1.9 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 | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8/10 | 4.6/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 10/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.4 Grams | 147.41 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-CH520
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | September 2023
"If you’re looking for headphones that simply do what you ask them to: the Sony WH-CH520 is a decent option, even if it isn’t very exciting. Sony’s WH-CHXXX line fits this role quite well, and the WH-CH520 offers a decent raft of quality-of-life updates over its predecessor that should keep listeners happy. If the Sony WH-CH520 were a car, it’d be the boring-but-safe commuter compact."
Get a great deal on the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) or the Sony WH-CH520
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
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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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