In-Depth Review: Nothing Ear (2) Wireless Earbuds

Nothing Ear (2) Wireless Earbuds

What a difference two years can make. Back in 2021, Nothing, the consumer tech startup founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, launched the Ear 1 wireless earbuds. Priced at $99, they offered a lot of features but were plagued with bugs and mediocre noise-canceling performance. Fast forward to 2024, and Nothing is back with the Ear (2) wireless earbuds. While they might look nearly identical to their predecessors, these earbuds are a far more polished and refined product—perfect for travel nomads who demand reliability and quality on the go.

Design and Build: Familiar Yet Improved

At first glance, you might struggle to tell the Nothing Ear (2) apart from the original Ear 1s. The transparent design remains striking, but there are subtle improvements that enhance durability and user experience. The Ear (2) case is slightly slimmer and lighter, making it even easier to slip into your travel bag. The earbuds themselves are also marginally lighter, yet they maintain a comfortable fit that’s essential for long flights or hours of remote work.

Nothing has upgraded the materials, using more durable plastic that should better resist scratches—a welcome improvement for travel nomads who need gear that can withstand the rigors of constant movement.

The Nothing Ear (2) earbuds are durable, stylish, and travel-friendly, making them an excellent choice for nomads who need both form and function in their tech.

Sound Quality: A Noticeable Leap Forward

While the design might be similar, the sound quality of the Nothing Ear (2) is a significant step up from the original Ear 1s. The earbuds still feature an 11.6mm dynamic driver, but the tuning has been refined, resulting in a much more balanced and enjoyable listening experience.

For travel nomads who often find themselves in noisy environments, the improved active noise cancellation (ANC) is a game-changer. It’s now far more effective, allowing you to block out the drone of airplane engines or the chatter of a crowded café. The adaptive ANC mode is particularly useful, automatically adjusting to your surroundings to conserve battery life while maintaining sound quality.

Whether you’re listening to a complex track like Paranoid Void’s “Masayume” or a more straightforward piece like Max Richter’s “On the Nature of Daylight,” the Ear (2) delivers clear, crisp audio that’s a pleasure to listen to.

With improved sound quality and effective ANC, the Nothing Ear (2) earbuds are ideal for travel nomads seeking immersive audio experiences in diverse environments.

Battery Life: Consistent and Reliable

Battery life is a mixed bag with the Nothing Ear (2) earbuds, depending on how you use them. With ANC turned on, you get about four hours of playback from the earbuds, with the case extending that to 22.5 hours. Turn ANC off, and those numbers increase to 6.3 hours and 36 hours, respectively. While these figures are decent, they’re not groundbreaking compared to other earbuds in this price range.

For travel nomads, the inclusion of wireless charging is a nice touch, especially if your smartphone supports reverse wireless charging. This feature can be a lifesaver when you’re on the go and need to top up your earbuds quickly.

The Nothing Ear (2) earbuds offer reliable battery life with the convenience of wireless charging, making them a practical choice for travel nomads on extended journeys.

Connectivity and Features: Tailored for Versatility

One of the standout features of the Nothing Ear (2) is the addition of multipoint connectivity, which allows you to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously. For travel nomads who often juggle between a laptop and a smartphone, this feature is incredibly useful. The switch between devices isn’t instantaneous, but it’s quick enough to be practical.

The Nothing X app offers a range of personalization options, including sound and ANC customization. However, these features can be hit or miss. While the ANC personalization works well, creating a personal sound profile can be tricky, and some users might find the default settings more satisfactory.

With multipoint connectivity and customizable features, the Nothing Ear (2) earbuds offer versatility that’s perfect for travel nomads who need to stay connected across multiple devices.

Final Thoughts: A Worthy Upgrade for Travel Nomads

At $149, the Nothing Ear (2) earbuds are no longer the budget-friendly option that the Ear 1s were, but they are a significant upgrade in terms of quality and features. They offer a stylish design, improved sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and useful features like multipoint connectivity and wireless charging. For travel nomads who value both form and function in their tech, the Nothing Ear (2) earbuds are a compelling choice.

While they face stiff competition from the likes of Apple and Samsung, the Nothing Ear (2) holds its own as a well-rounded, mid-range option that delivers where it counts. If you’re a travel nomad looking for earbuds that blend style, comfort, and performance, the Nothing Ear (2) is worth considering.

The Nothing Ear (2) wireless earbuds offer a refined, travel-friendly audio experience with stylish design and versatile features, making them an ideal choice for travel nomads seeking reliable tech on the go.