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Nothing Ear (2)

Nothing Ear (2)

81
BUYARY SCOREExcellent

Distinctive, comfortable earbuds with customizable sound and capable ANC, but limited battery life.

The Nothing Ear (2) are the stylish, sound-first earbuds for commuters, multitaskers, and music lovers who want premium flexibility without a $200-plus price tag. Their transparent, lightweight design is comfortable, while customizable EQ and hearing-based tuning can turn already detailed, energetic audio into a genuinely personal profile. The brand’s six-hour battery claim is realistic only in lighter use, with reviewers and owners often seeing roughly four hours with ANC. Adaptive ANC handles trains and fans well, but voices still break through, and bright treble may fatigue sensitive listeners. Wireless charging, multipoint, and a polished app strengthen the value at about $150, though case scratches and mixed durability reports temper confidence. Overall, its recommendation rests on sound and features more than endurance or ruggedness.

Nothing Ear (2)
Nothing Ear (2)
Nothing Ear (2)
Nothing Ear (2)
Nothing Ear (2)
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Benefits

🎧
Lightweight Comfortable Fit

Lightweight earbuds stay comfortable for long listening, commuting, and everyday wear.

🎵
Personalized Clear Sound

Custom EQ and hearing-based tuning make music feel clearer and more enjoyable.

🚇
Commute-Friendly Noise Control

ANC reduces traffic and train rumble, helping conversations and playlists feel easier to follow.

📞
Easier Everyday Calls

Clear calls, multipoint, and independent bud use make switching between devices less disruptive.

Trade-Offs

🔋
Short Daily Runtime

Around four hours with ANC means recharging during long workdays, travel, or commutes.

🔊
Treble Gets Tiring

Bright highs can sound sharp over time, making longer listening sessions less comfortable.

👆
Awkward Squeeze Controls

Pressing controls can shift the earbuds, interrupting a secure fit during quick adjustments.

🌬️
Transparency Falls Short

Wind and higher-pitched sounds can remain distracting, making outdoor awareness and conversations less natural.

Nothing Ear (2)

Alternatives

Nothing Ear (2) delivers lively, detailed sound, strong noise cancellation, and unusually flexible controls in a compact, stylish package. Its small earbuds are comfortable, though battery life with ANC can feel short on long travel days. Frequent flyers might prefer over-ear noise-cancelling headphones for endurance, while listeners wanting zero charging may lean toward wired in-ear monitors.
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Publications

10 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS


64
Logo of What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi? highlights the Nothing Ear (2) as a stylish, well-built pair of wireless earbuds that deliver a bright and immediate sound signature, supported by clever features like a user-friendly app and improved touch controls. The earbuds impress with comfort, robust design, and useful additions such as personalized ANC and a fast-charging case. However, the review expresses clear reservations about the audio quality, noting an overly harsh treble that can become fatiguing and masks subtle musical details. While the Ear (2) reveal some interesting sonic nuances, their aggressive, compressed sound profile lacks warmth and dynamic depth, making them less enjoyable for nuanced listening. Despite improvements over the original Ear (1), the Ear (2) struggle to match competitors like the JBL Live Pro 2 or Panasonic RZ-S500W, which offer better overall sound at a similar or lower price. Ultimately, What Hi-Fi? finds the Ear (2) a commendable design and feature package but falls short in delivering truly great sound.

March 31, 2023Visit Source →
77
Logo of Reviews and Ratings

Dagobiet Morales Alfaro, Kieran Dunn, and John Peroramas from RTINGS highlight the Nothing Ear (2) earbuds as a comfortable, well-built successor to the original model, with notable improvements like personalized adaptive ANC, a graphic EQ, and an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. The review praises their neutral, balanced sound profile, especially the clear treble and customizable EQ, though it notes vocals can feel recessed. The earbuds perform well across various scenarios—commuting, sports, office use—with effective noise isolation and low sound leakage. However, battery life is a consistent limitation, falling short for long trips or full workdays without recharging. The microphone quality is also a drawback, producing a thin, somewhat distorted voice despite good background noise separation. Bluetooth-only connectivity and mediocre audio latency may deter gamers. Overall, the review conveys a cautiously positive tone, emphasizing solid comfort and sound customization while acknowledging key trade-offs in battery and mic performance.

By Dagobiet Morales Alfaro

May 3, 2023Visit Source →
77
Logo of PCMag

Tim Gideon from PCMag praises the Nothing Ear (2) earbuds for their stylish transparent design, improved active noise cancellation (ANC), and detailed sound signature. Drawing on his extensive audio expertise, he highlights meaningful upgrades over the original Ear (1), including enhanced Bluetooth codec support (LHDC 5.0), better microphone performance, and a more refined app experience with customizable controls and personalized ANC. The earbuds deliver robust bass and clear mids and highs, appealing to listeners who appreciate nuanced audio with some subtle EQ shaping. While battery life with ANC enabled is below average, the earbuds excel in noise cancellation for their price, effectively reducing low-frequency rumble and ambient noise. The transparent charging case’s IP55 rating is a unique plus, though it is prone to scratches. Gideon notes that although the Ear (2) commands a $50 premium over competitors like Anker’s Soundcore Space A40, its distinctive design and sound quality make it an easy recommendation for style-conscious audiophiles.

By Tim Gideon

March 22, 2023Visit Source →
78
Logo of Wired

Simon Lucas from WIRED highlights the Nothing Ear (2) as a significant step forward for the brand, delivering a competitive and distinctive option in a crowded true wireless earbud market. He praises the earbuds’ lightweight, comfortable design and the clear plastic aesthetic that sets them apart visually. The review emphasizes the extensive and customizable Nothing X app, which enhances the user experience with personalized EQ and ANC tuning based on hearing tests. Sound quality is described as vibrant and detailed, with strong bass control and midrange clarity, though the treble can be overly bright and fatiguing depending on the source. Active noise cancellation is effective without compromising audio fidelity, outperforming many rivals at this price point. Physical controls are less intuitive, requiring firm presses that can disrupt fit, but voice assistant and app controls help mitigate this. Overall, Lucas regards the Ear (2) as a well-rounded, enjoyable package that offers more than just incremental improvements over its predecessor.

By Simon Lucas

March 22, 2023Visit Source →
77
Logo of TechRadar

Becca Caddy from TechRadar highlights the Nothing Ear (2) as a stylish and comfortable pair of true wireless earbuds that stand out with their distinctive transparent design and solid feature set. Praising their lightweight fit and effective active noise cancellation, she finds them enjoyable for everyday listening, especially with energetic and bass-heavy tracks. The personalized sound profile and customizable EQ add useful flexibility, though some vocal and midrange frequencies can feel slightly brash or tiring. Battery life is a notable drawback, with only about four hours per charge, which lags behind many competitors. While the earbuds don’t surpass premium rivals like the Sony WF-1000XM4 in sound quality or ANC, they offer a compelling mid-range option at half the price, especially for users seeking comfort and unique aesthetics. Caddy’s thorough real-world testing across various environments underscores the buds’ strengths and limitations, making them a solid, if not perfect, choice in a crowded market.

By Becca Caddy

July 5, 2023Visit Source →
78
Logo of Android Authority

Rita El Khoury from Android Authority praises the Nothing Ear 2 as a refined evolution of the original Ear 1, maintaining its standout ergonomic comfort while introducing meaningful improvements in build quality, controls, and sound performance. She highlights the smaller, more premium charging case, the intuitive squeeze controls, and enhanced active noise cancellation with customizable levels. The addition of Bluetooth 5.3 with Multipoint support is noted as a significant upgrade for multi-device connectivity. However, El Khoury points out notable drawbacks, particularly the middling battery life—especially when using Multipoint—and ANC performance that, while improved, remains average compared to higher-end competitors. She also critiques the limited practical benefit of LHDC 5.0 support due to device compatibility constraints. Overall, the review conveys a balanced but positive tone, recommending the Ear 2 for those valuing comfort and sound quality in the sub-$150 range, while advising users with heavy ANC or battery demands to consider alternatives.

By Rita El Khoury

July 20, 2023Visit Source →
78
Logo of Trusted Reviews

Simon Lucas from Trusted Reviews highlights the Nothing Ear (2) as a thoughtfully improved successor to the original Ear (1), blending distinctive design with enhanced features and solid performance. He praises the earbuds’ lightweight, transparent aesthetic and robust battery life, noting up to 36 hours total playback and convenient wireless/reverse charging. The Nothing X app’s personalized hearing and ANC calibration tests stand out as unique, offering a tailored listening experience. Sound quality is described as detailed, dynamic, and well-balanced, with lively treble and controlled bass, though the top-end can become slightly harsh at high volumes. Call quality and voice assistant responsiveness also receive positive mention. While not revolutionary or market-disrupting, the Ear (2) delivers a confident, enjoyable audio experience with competitive specs and thoughtful controls, making it a compelling choice for users seeking individuality and customization at a mid-range price point. Some minor trade-offs, like the pinch controls and treble edge, temper enthusiasm but don’t overshadow the earbuds’ overall appeal.

By Simon Lucas

June 26, 2023Visit Source →
77
Logo of The Guardian

Samuel Gibbs from The Guardian highlights the Nothing Ear (2) as competitively priced earbuds that stand out with their distinctive see-through design and solid everyday sound quality. He praises their comfortable fit, effective noise cancelling for low-frequency sounds, and excellent call quality in quiet environments. The earbuds’ Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint connectivity and cross-platform app support add practical value. However, Gibbs notes some drawbacks, including a slightly bulky charging case, limited battery life of four hours per charge, and noise cancelling that struggles with higher-pitched sounds like voices. The squeeze controls work well but can be less intuitive for volume adjustments compared to swipe gestures on rivals. While the Ear (2) improve on their predecessor and offer good value against pricier competitors, they fall short of the best-in-class earbuds, especially lacking replaceable batteries and advanced spatial audio features. Overall, the review conveys a balanced, moderately positive view with enthusiasm for the design and sound but measured reservations about certain usability and longevity aspects.

By Samuel Gibbs

March 27, 2023Visit Source →
78
Logo of The Verge

Jon Porter from The Verge highlights that the Nothing Ear (2) earbuds represent a significant improvement over their predecessor, delivering a more polished experience with refined sound quality and enhanced active noise cancellation. While the design remains stylish and largely unchanged, the Ear 2s address many of the bugs and performance issues that affected the original Ear 1s. The addition of features like multipoint connectivity adds convenience, making these earbuds a more rounded package overall. However, Porter notes the notable price increase to $149, which shifts the Ear 2s out of the entry-level bargain category and places them in a more competitive mid-range market. Some personalization options remain hit-or-miss, tempering enthusiasm slightly. Overall, the review conveys a cautiously positive tone, appreciating the earbuds’ internal upgrades and improved user experience while acknowledging that the higher price and limited customization may not appeal to all buyers.

By Jon Porter

March 22, 2023Visit Source →
77
Logo of Forbes

Ben Sin from Forbes highlights the Nothing Ear (2) as a stylish and well-rounded pair of wireless earbuds that stand out primarily for their eye-catching semi-transparent design and improved features over the first generation. Praising the lighter, smaller form factor, longer battery life, and stronger active noise cancellation (ANC), Sin notes the earbuds deliver fuller, livelier sound with crisp highs, though the bass remains somewhat heavy—a characteristic some listeners may appreciate. The revamped touch controls offer solid haptic feedback but lack swipe gestures, requiring some trade-offs for volume adjustment. While the ANC is not quite on par with premium rivals like AirPods Pro or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2, the adaptive ANC and $149 price point make it very competitive. Additional positives include IP54 water resistance, versatile codec support, and a companion app for customization. Ultimately, Sin suggests the Nothing Ear (2)’s unique design is its strongest selling point, as most earbuds now perform well sonically and functionally, making style the key differentiator.

By Ben Sin

March 31, 2023Visit Source →
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YouTube

15 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS


78
Youtube IconShortCircuit

Alex is cautiously impressed with the Nothing Ear (2), especially compared with his unreliable Ear (1) pair. He praises the sleek, pocket-friendly case, improved sound, dependable in-ear detection, pinch controls, and functional low-latency mode. The Ear (2)’s audio is dramatically better balanced, while personalized EQ and adjustable or adaptive ANC add useful flexibility. Still, transparency mode is poor, ANC largely misses higher frequencies, and the $50 price increase bothers him. Given Nothing’s past durability and quality-control problems, Alex is willing to give the brand one more chance, but his recommendation remains guarded rather than enthusiastic.

March 25, 2023
84
Youtube IconThis is Tech Today

Brandon is very positive about the Nothing Ear (2), especially its sound and unusually powerful customizable EQ. He considers it one of the closest wireless options to wired audiophile earbuds, with tuning he prefers over the newer model’s default presentation. However, the roughly four-hour battery life with ANC is a genuine weakness, and he criticizes the connection stability when using LDAC, plus transparency mode and sound changes between listening modes. Even so, he views the Ear (2) as a compelling choice—particularly if found near $100—provided buyers value advanced EQ and can accept its limited endurance.

April 27, 2024
83
Youtube IconBeebom

Beebom is enthusiastic about the Nothing Ear (2), calling it a worthwhile upgrade over the Ear (1). The earbuds retain their distinctive transparent design while improving sound clarity, bass, maximum volume, ANC, and durability ratings. Beebom especially enjoys the Nothing X app, personalized sound profile, dual-device connectivity, and comfortable fit, describing the personalized audio as genuinely effective rather than gimmicky. Battery life is respectable at around four hours in demanding use, and microphones remain decent. The main complaint is that the case still scratches easily, but overall Beebom enjoyed using the Ear (2) and would recommend it.

March 22, 2023
88
Youtube IconPicky Audio

Picky Audio is highly enthusiastic about the Nothing Ear (2), calling it a major upgrade and an easy recommendation around $150. Its standout strengths are exceptional sound quality, effective personalization, comfortable and secure fit, strong controls, multipoint connectivity, and a case with IP55 protection. The reviewer’s testing spans exercise, calls, gaming latency, simulated and real-world ANC, and comparisons with several competitors. The main drawbacks are weak four-hour battery life with ANC, occasional left-ear detection glitches, and transparency mode that can automatically shut off in wind. Overall, it is praised as a serious contender with remarkably few faults.

April 10, 2023
82
Youtube IconTech Spurt

Tech Spurt is very positive about the Nothing Ear (2), calling them distinctive, comfortable, and impressively capable for the price. The personalized audio tuning, effective ANC, reliable connectivity, excellent pinch controls, and polished Nothing X app particularly impress him, with ANC handling traffic and trains well. He also appreciates the secure fit, wireless charging, and strong call performance, though wind can cause feedback. The main disappointment is battery life: roughly six hours without ANC and only four with it, which he considers below average. Overall, they’re highly recommended for commuting, but frequent travelers may want longer-lasting rivals.

March 22, 2023
94
Youtube IconFlossy Carter

Flossy Carter is overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the Nothing Ear (2), calling them a major buy at $150. He praises their terrific sound, genuinely effective custom EQ, multipoint pairing, comfortable secure fit, excellent transparency mode, clear calls, wireless charging, and useful app. His testing finds low-lag video, reliable touch controls, fast reconnection, and independent earbud use. The main caveat is that active noise cancellation is good but below Sony, Bose, AirPods Pro, and other top-tier rivals. He also wishes Nothing offered a black version, but considers the Ear (2) unquestionably worth the $50 premium over the Ear (1).

March 22, 2023
86
Youtube IconMax Tech

Max Tech is highly impressed by the Nothing Ear (2), calling it a remarkably strong, affordable alternative to the AirPods Pro 2. The earbuds offer excellent, customizable sound, and in one demanding rock track they even sounded better, with smoother mids and clearer instrument separation. Their transparent design, comfortable fit, AirPods-like controls, and extensive features add appeal. However, the larger charging case is less pocketable, and noise cancellation and transparency mode fall short of Apple’s performance. They also play slightly quieter. Overall, Max Tech enthusiastically recommends them for Android users and iPhone owners seeking a distinctive, lower-cost alternative.

March 22, 2023
86
Youtube IconKyle Erickson

Kyle Erickson is highly enthusiastic about the Nothing Ear (2), choosing them over his AirPods Pro 2 as his everyday earbuds. He praises their distinctive transparent design, comfort, secure fit while running, excellent sound, customizable Nothing X app, reliable multipoint connectivity, wireless charging, and surprisingly responsive customer support. The Ear (2) also offers strong call quality and solid ANC, though Apple remains better for noise cancellation, adaptive transparency, and ecosystem features. With average battery life and limited ear-tip sizing, they are not flawless, but Kyle considers them an exceptional, well-rounded value for the price.

May 9, 2023
78
Youtube IconMike O'Brien

Mike O’Brien is strongly positive about the Nothing Ear (2), calling them an easy recommendation at $149. He especially likes their distinctive transparent design, secure workout-friendly fit, extensive customizable controls, multipoint connectivity, and exceptionally fast charging. Sound is balanced, clear, and detailed, though treble can feel sharp and the earbuds lack LDAC or aptX. ANC is competent but mid-pack, while transparency mode adds noticeable white noise. The buggy app, loud feedback tones, easily scratched case, and short ANC battery life are meaningful but mild drawbacks. Overall, he sees them as versatile, feature-rich earbuds rather than category leaders.

March 28, 2023
93
Youtube IconDMS

DMS is highly enthusiastic about the Nothing Ear (2), calling it a genuine comeback and his strongest wireless in-ear recommendation. After extensive testing, he found its sound detailed, well-tuned, spacious, and slightly more natural than the AirPods Pro 2, with more consistent noise cancellation and a significantly improved transparency mode. Custom EQ and Mimi hearing-based tuning add useful flexibility, while several updates resolved the reliability issues he experienced with the Ear (1). The main caveat is that transparency still trails Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II, but DMS considers that minor beside the Ear (2)’s overall performance and value.

March 17, 2023
78
Youtube IconAaron X Loud and Wireless

Aaron X Loud and Wireless is clearly positive about the Nothing Ear (2), calling it a worthwhile upgrade with meaningful trade-offs. He praises its smaller case, reliable multipoint pairing, improved call quality, customizable ANC and sound profiles, and more energetic audio. His testing found the Ear (2) smoother and clearer for calls, but not better at noise cancellation; it also has shorter battery life, awkward squeeze controls, and limited LHDC codec compatibility. Existing Ear (1) owners may not need to upgrade unless calls matter, but newcomers get a strong, feature-rich option.

March 22, 2023
76
Youtube IconWhatsNew

WhatsNew is moderately positive about Nothing Ear (2), calling it fun, comfortable, and unusually polished in design. The transparent case, ergonomic AirPods Pro–style fit, multipoint, and extensive EQ options impress, especially after tuning the bass, mids, and treble. However, the enthusiasm is tempered by mediocre ANC and transparency, high latency even in Low Lag Mode, occasional control and fit issues, and harsh, artifact-prone microphone performance in noisy settings. Overall, it feels like a design-led product whose personality and bass-heavy sound are appealing, but whose core performance trails similarly priced competitors.

April 19, 2023
62
Youtube IconHo Young Won

Ho Young Won is disappointed overall, despite admiring the Nothing Ear (2)’s striking transparent design. He praises the polished Nothing X app, responsive pinch controls, dual-device connectivity, balanced sound, reliable microphones, and fast charging. However, the case feels cheap and awkward to use, fit and comfort are only average, ANC is merely decent, battery life trails similarly priced rivals, and Bluetooth interruptions occur regularly—especially with two devices connected. He keeps using them largely as a fashion statement, but recommends the Soundcore Liberty 4 instead for better audio, ANC, and overall value.

December 1, 2023
76
Youtube IconJordan Floyd

Jordan Floyd is cautiously positive about the Nothing Ear (2), calling them impressive but not an automatic recommendation. He praises the distinctive transparent design, strong clarity compared with his first-generation AirPods, useful EQ presets, wireless charging, and roughly six hours of normal listening. However, serious connection problems initially affected both his OnePlus 11 and Pixel 7, including skipping and crackling, though a firmware update fixed them. He also dislikes the pinching controls and worries the attractive case will scratch easily. Overall, he sees good value, but recommends trying them with some caution.

May 6, 2023
91
Youtube IconGamesky

Gamesky is highly impressed by Nothing Ear (2), calling it a dramatic upgrade and recommending it over pricier Sony and Bose alternatives. The reviewer praises its excellent noise cancellation and transparency mode, spacious, energetic sound, strong call quality, low-latency gaming/media performance, wireless charging, and useful app-based personalization. The customized hearing test is annoying but meaningfully improves the sound, especially for bass and treble lovers. Reservations are limited: battery life falls sharply with ANC enabled, and dense rock tracks can muddy the mids slightly. Overall, it feels like an unusually successful second-generation refinement and nearly a perfect all-rounder.

March 29, 2023

Social

2 INFLUENCER REVIEWS


86
TikTok IconT3

T3 highlights the impressive value of the Nothing Ear (2), praising its well-balanced, exciting sound that rivals more expensive earbuds. They note standout active noise cancellation and longer battery life compared to the ultra-budget CMF by Nothing Buds Pro, though the Ear (2) lacks wireless charging. Both offer great options at their price points. Overall, T3 recommends the Nothing Ear (2) for those with a £100 budget seeking premium sound quality, while the CMF Buds Pro are ideal for ultra-budget buyers at £50. The review conveys enthusiasm and a fair comparison, endorsing both as strong choices without major reservations.

January 7, 2024
93
TikTok IconNafis A

techknowbiz raves about the Nothing Ear 2 earbuds, praising their sleek, transparent design and improved sturdiness. They highlight standout features like adaptive ANC with 40dB noise cancellation, a balanced sound signature enhanced by a customizable EQ, and useful extras like in-ear detection and IP54 rating. The price is noted as higher than the previous model, and personalization options are described as hit or miss. Overall, techknowbiz enthusiastically recommends the Nothing Ear 2, emphasizing that their performance matches their stylish look. Despite the higher cost, the earbuds deliver excellent sound quality and features that make them a top choice for users seeking both aesthetics and functionality.

October 25, 2023
Store Bag Icon

Store Reviews

CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 STORE


87
Logo of Amazon

Amazon reviewers praise the Nothing Ear (2) earbuds for delivering excellent sound quality with crisp highs and deep lows, often comparing their audio performance favorably against higher-priced competitors. Users highlight the earbuds’ sleek, modern design and comfortable fit, noting that they remain wearable for extended periods without discomfort. Many appreciate the intuitive controls and the well-designed charging case, which supports wireless charging and features a clear LED indicator. Reviewers frequently commend the active noise cancellation, especially its effectiveness against low-frequency sounds like fans and ambient movement, though some mention it falls short with higher-frequency noises. Call quality impresses several users, who report clearer voice transmission and reception compared to other popular earbuds. The customizable app also earns positive remarks for enhancing user experience. However, battery life emerges as a common concern. While some find it adequate for daily use, others express frustration with shorter-than-advertised endurance, particularly when using features like LDAC and ANC simultaneously. Users also note that the earbuds allow seamless swapping between buds during calls without missing words, which mitigates battery limitations somewhat. Functionality receives mixed feedback; although many find connectivity smooth and reliable, a few report issues such as pairing quirks and occasional hardware failures after several months. Ear stability divides opinion as well—while some users confirm the buds stay securely in place even during activity, others experience them falling out during rigorous movement or sweating. Overall, Amazon customers recommend the Nothing Ear (2) as a stylish, high-performing option that offers great value for the price, especially for those prioritizing sound quality, comfort, and call clarity over top-tier noise cancellation or extended battery life.

4.3 Stars / Many verified reviews

Forum Icon

Forum Reviews

CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM


68
Logo of Reddit

Reddit users generally appreciate the Nothing Ear (2) for its unique transparent design, clear sound quality, and decent microphone performance, often noting it as a strong value for the price. However, many express concerns about battery life, which tends to degrade significantly over time, and inconsistent ANC effectiveness, with some finding the noise cancellation uncomfortable. Durability issues, such as earbuds’ outer shells detaching, are also mentioned. Long-term users acknowledge the earbuds maintain good sound and connectivity but highlight aging battery and ANC discomfort as major drawbacks. New shoppers are advised to weigh these factors carefully before purchasing.

Many comments

Scales Icon

In-Depth Review

Highlights Icon

Highlights

  • Customizable Sound Profile
    Personalized EQ refines detailed, energetic audio.
  • Transparent Comfortable Design
    Lightweight fit and distinctive styling stand out.
  • Commute-Friendly Noise Control
    Adaptive ANC reduces traffic and train rumble.
  • Flexible Device Switching
    Multipoint supports convenient phone-and-laptop switching.
Considerations Icon

Considerations

  • Limited Battery Endurance
    ANC often reduces playback to about four hours.
  • Incomplete Noise Blocking
    Voices and higher-pitched sounds remain audible.
  • Mixed Long-Term Durability
    Case scratches easily; some owners report shell separation.
  • Bright Treble Fatigue
    Treble can sound harsh during extended listening.

Nothing’s Ear (2) turns the brand’s transparent design language into a polished mid-range alternative to AirPods Pro, Sony, and Bose earbuds. Built for commuting, calls, workouts, and everyday listening, it combines customizable sound with adaptive noise control, a comfortable lightweight fit, and practical extras like wireless charging. Compared with the Ear (1), it brings more reliable controls, improved microphones, Bluetooth multipoint, and a more refined app—though its roughly six-hour rating becomes closer to four with ANC, and its isolation is strongest against low rumbles rather than voices. That makes it especially appealing to style-conscious listeners, Android users, and anyone who values tuning flexibility over marathon endurance. The following sections examine its ANC performance, durability, battery behavior, personalization tools, and connection reliability, because these earbuds are clever enough to impress—but not quite clever enough to recharge themselves.

Nothing Ear (2)

Noise Cancellation

ANC is useful for commuting, but it is not a premium-classifier. The app offers adaptive and personalized ANC, and testing shows it effectively reduces low-frequency rumble from traffic, trains, fans, and engines. However, voices and higher-pitched sounds often remain audible, while transparency can add hiss or behave poorly in wind. Some reviewers found ANC quite strong for the price, but others called it merely decent, so expectations should stay measured versus Sony, Bose, or AirPods Pro models.

Nothing Ear (2)

App Customization

The Nothing X app turns a good-sounding pair into a more personal one. Its graphic EQ provides unusually broad control over bass, mids, and treble, while the personalized sound test can compensate for individual hearing differences. Users can also adjust ANC, controls, and listening modes, giving the Ear (2) more flexibility than its price suggests. Results are not universal, and some reviewers found personalization inconsistent, but the app is a genuine strength when you are willing to tune rather than simply use the default profile.

Nothing Ear (2)

Sound Quality

Sound quality is the Ear (2)’s strongest reason to buy. Its 11.6 mm dynamic drivers deliver clear detail, energetic bass, and good instrument separation, while the default tuning can sound bright, sharp, or slightly recessed through the vocals. The Nothing X graphic EQ and hearing-based personalization can make a substantial difference, not just a token adjustment. Experts and users broadly enjoy the refinement, although listeners sensitive to treble may prefer a warmer rival or should spend time tuning the profile.

Nothing Ear (2)

Battery Life

Battery life is the Ear (2)’s clearest compromise. Nothing rates them for up to six hours per charge and 36 hours with the case, but real-world testing commonly lands near four hours with ANC enabled, and LHDC or multipoint can reduce it further. The five-minute fast charge provides about 1.5 hours, which helps during rushed commutes. Users generally find endurance adequate for ordinary listening, yet reviewers and long-term owners report frustration on trips, full workdays, and as battery capacity declines over time.

Nothing Ear (2)

Build Durability

The transparent design is distinctive, but long-term toughness is less convincing. The earbuds carry an IP54 dust and splash rating, and the case reaches IP55 protection, making everyday exercise and light exposure reasonable rather than waterproof use. Reviewers frequently note that the charging case scratches easily, while forum owners report occasional shell separation and hardware failures after months. Build quality feels improved over the Ear (1), yet the attractive finish and mixed durability reports suggest treating them carefully.

Nothing Ear (2)

Connectivity And Multipoint

Connectivity is feature-rich, though not perfectly bulletproof. Bluetooth 5.3 supports multipoint pairing, allowing the earbuds to remain connected to two devices and switch between a laptop and phone with less friction. Independent earbud use, fast reconnection, in-ear detection, and wireless charging add practical polish. Most testing found pairing reliable, but some owners and reviewers encountered Bluetooth interruptions, crackling, or instability with two devices or LHDC enabled. Firmware updates resolved certain cases, so the experience may depend on device compatibility and software state.

Conclusion

The final picture is clear: Nothing Ear (2) is a sound-first pair with genuinely useful personalization, comfortable styling, and convenient multipoint that users and experts generally enjoy. Its adaptive ANC handles engines, trains, and fans well, but voices and higher frequencies still get through. The bigger catch is short battery life—often around four hours with ANC—so travelers and full-day listeners should look elsewhere. The transparent build is distinctive and improved, though the case scratches easily and long-term durability reports are mixed. Connectivity is usually polished, yet LHDC and dual-device use can introduce occasional instability. Choose it for detailed audio, EQ flexibility, wireless charging, and personality; skip it if endurance, top-tier isolation, or rugged longevity matter most. At roughly $150, it earns its recommendation by offering a versatile, memorable package with compromises that are real but manageable.

Feature Scores Icon

Feature Scores

This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.

Performance

Sound Quality

4/5

Battery Life

3/5

Wireless Connectivity Reliability

4/5

Noise Cancellation Effectiveness

4/5

Microphone Call Quality

4/5

Durability and Build Quality

4/5

Latency for Gaming and Video

4/5

Value

Price-to-Quality Ratio

4/5

Warranty and Support

3/5

Features per Price

4/5

Design

Fit and Comfort

4/5

Aesthetic Appeal

5/5

Portability and Case Design

4/5

Controls and Usability

4/5

Health

Eartip Materials and Hygiene

3/5

Hearing Exposure Controls

3/5

Allergen and Toxicity Risk

3/5

Safety

Water and Sweat Resistance

4/5

Battery Safety and Thermal Management

3/5

Regulatory Compliance

3/5

Sustainability

Recyclability of Components

2/5

Repairability and Battery Replaceability

1/5

Sustainable Packaging

2/5

Responsible Material Sourcing

2/5

Experience Style

Ease of Setup and Pairing

4/5

Customization and App Features

5/5

Ecosystem and Codec Integration

4/5

Specifications Icon

Specifications

This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.

Performance

Design

Safety

Sustainability

Experience Style

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Frequently Asked Questions


4 Questions


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Also Consider


2 Options