Nothing, a popular tech brand, has recently launched their new wireless earbuds called the Ear 2. Priced at $129, these earbuds come with several upgrades and fresh features. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive review of the Ear 2, covering the design, features, audio quality, and battery life.
Unboxing and Design
The Ear 2 wireless earbuds come in a small, monochrome box with a minimalist design. Inside the box, you will find the earbuds themselves, which come in a snazzy transparent case. The case also doubles up as a fidget spinner, adding a playful element to the design. Additionally, the box contains a USB Type-C cable, spare silicon tips, and a user guide. The user guide is conveniently sized like a credit card, and it includes a QR code for quickly downloading the Nothing app on iOS or Android.
Design and Comfort
The Ear 2 earbuds have a distinctive and minimalistic design. They are lightweight, compact, and comfortable to wear for extended periods. The transparent finish gives them a sleek and unique look, setting them apart from other popular earbuds like AirPods. The fit is secure, and the buds stay in place even during vigorous activities. The left and right buds are color-coded for convenience.
Connectivity and Controls
The Ear 2 wireless earbuds pair seamlessly with smartphones using Bluetooth 5.3 technology. Nothing has upgraded the antenna to improve signal strength, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted connection. The touch controls on the earbuds are responsive and well-implemented. The pinch control feature is particularly noteworthy, as it offers more precision compared to traditional tapping or swiping controls. With the Nothing X app, users can fully customize the touch controls and access additional features such as an equalizer.
Audio Quality
The Ear 2 earbuds are equipped with dual-chamber 11.6mm drivers and support LHDC 5.0, allowing for high-quality audio streaming. These earbuds can handle 24-bit, 192kHz streaming, making them compatible with music services like Deezer and Tidal. The audio experience is well-rounded and balanced, and the personalized sound tuning feature enhances the listening experience. While the equalizer feature is basic compared to other earbuds, the presets provided are sufficient for most users.
Active Noise Cancellation
The Ear 2 earbuds feature active noise cancellation (ANC), which effectively reduces external noise. The ANC works well in muffling sounds from traffic and trains, providing a more immersive listening experience. Users can switch between noise-canceling mode, transparency mode, or turn off ANC altogether through the Nothing X app. The personalized ANC feature is available but may not make a significant difference for all users.
Battery Life
One area where the Ear 2 earbuds fall slightly short is battery life. With ANC turned off, the earbuds offer around six hours of playback time. However, with ANC activated, the battery life drops to approximately four hours, which is below average compared to other earbuds in this price range. The case provides around four to five full recharges before needing to be charged itself. The case supports both USB Type-C and wireless charging.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Nothing Ear 2 wireless earbuds offer distinctive design, comfortable fit, and excellent audio quality. The touch controls and Nothing X app provide a user-friendly and customizable experience. The ANC is effective in reducing external noise, although wind noise can be an issue outdoors. While the battery life is not the greatest, the Ear 2 earbuds are still a solid choice for commuting and everyday use. If you prioritize design and audio quality, the Nothing Ear 2 is worth considering.
Please let us know your thoughts on the Nothing Ear 2 earbuds in the comments below.
FAQ
What is the difference between Nothing Ear 1 and 2?
The Nothing Ear 1 and Ear 2 are both true wireless earbuds, but they have some differences. The Ear 2 is the successor to the Ear 1 and offers a few improvements. Here are the main differences:
1. Design: The Ear 2 has a more compact and streamlined design compared to the Ear 1.
2. Transparency Mode: The Ear 2 introduces an improved Transparency Mode, allowing you to hear the surrounding sounds more clearly while wearing the earbuds.
3. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The Ear 2 features active noise cancellation, which helps to block out external noise for a more immersive audio experience. The Ear 1 does not have ANC.
4. Battery Life: The Ear 2 offers a longer battery life compared to the Ear 1. It provides up to 34 hours of combined playtime with the charging case, while the Ear 1 offers up to 24 hours.
5. Price: The Ear 2 is priced slightly higher than the Ear 1, reflecting the added features and improvements.
These are the key differences between the Nothing Ear 1 and Ear 2.
Is nothing ear 2 compatible with Apple?
Yes, the Nothing ear is compatible with Apple devices.
Last Updated on October 31, 2023
1 comment
I’ve got a Jabra 75T, but for my daily grind, it’s all about the Pixel Buds Pro with my Pixel 7 Pro. Nothing Ear 2 beats them both in connecting speed. I’m on the phone a lot, and I love tuning into entertainment programs. The music is top-notch, even though I don’t really use them for that. Well, except when I’m out mowing the lawn.
The case is fantastic – easy in and out, wireless charging with a bright LED. No more waiting around for a charge. So many smart features. Call quality? Way better than PBuds. My voice comes through clear, and I can hear the other person better, all thanks to a hearing test I did to fine-tune phone call quality.
The stem buttons give me serious Apple Air Pods vibes. Unlike PBuds and Jabra, these don’t mess with settings or interrupt a convo when I shove them back in my ears.
There’s a big difference between just popping in your headphones and chilling versus talking or munching away. Ear canals change when you chat or eat. But guess what? Not many reviewers test products during long talks. Not a single one, from what I’ve found. Nothing Ear 2 nails it, hands down.
Overall, these are the best headphones I’ve ever had, and I’ve had quite a few, some even over 200 bucks. At $125, these are more than fine. Grab ’em now. You’ll be smitten.
Now, the downside – battery life. It’s not the best, which is a bummer considering their size. They claim 4 hours, but I’m getting more like 3.5 for calls and tunes. The silver lining? When one bud taps out, I can swap it without missing a beat. Impressive. Hoping the next version nails a solid 6 hours of battery life. Other than that, no complaints.