Quick Specs
Our Verdict
Nothing returns to its first love with a new pair of wireless headphones, the Nothing ear (2). The format of the first model has been retained, but with many improvements. Here is our detailed review of the Nothing ear (2).nProsnn Bluetooth multipoint compatibilityn Compr
Full Specifications
Nothing returns to its first love with a new pair of wireless headphones, the Nothing ear (2). The format of the first model has been retained, but with many improvements. Here is our detailed review of the Nothing ear (2).
Pros
- Bluetooth multipoint compatibility
- Comprehensive Nothing X applicatio
- Customizable pinch controls
- Effective active noise reductioNice and original desig
Cons
- Low battery life
- Average call quality
DESIG
CASE
Nothing has taken the same approach to housing the Nothing ear (2) as for its first model. We find the same principle of a square transparent case but with some differences. This is notably the case of the white block positioned inside the case and which will house the battery. While it was recessed in the case of the first version, it is more apparent in this new iteration.The white plastic is, therefore, in direct contact with the outside. The case is also a little less textured for more sobriety. We are on the same principle as the Nothing ear (1) but with a slightly smaller case of 55.5 x 55.5 x 22 mm and 51.9 grams, compared to 58.6 x 58.6 x 23.7 mm on the first generation. It can be easily stored in a handbag or small pocket. Beware, however, that the Nothing ear case (2) still needs to pass the pocket test.As for the buttons, coectors and indicators, there is a USB-C socket on the right-hand side, next to the pairing button. A single indicator light integrated into the case allows you to check the headphones' battery level and pairing status.
WATERPROOFING
The Nothing ear (2) is protected against splashes, rain and perspiration thanks to their IP54 certification, but also against dust. The housing is also IP55 certified.The headphones also hold up well during sports activities and will have no trouble staying in place during your training sessions, even with potential shocks such as ruing. This is aided by their stemmed design, which helps keep the earphones in place.
USE AND APPLICATIO
BLUETOOTH CONNECTIO
To ensure the Bluetooth coection of its earphones to a smartphone or computer, Nothing uses version 5.3 of the Bluetooth standard. The manufacturer also indicates that it used larger and better-positioned anteas than the first Nothing ear (1). In principle, this ensures a more stable signal. The previous earphones of the brand could suffer quite regularly from coection jumps. This is no longer the case with the Nothing ear (2), which maintains a stable signal even in conditions that bother their predecessors - for example, when ruing with the smartphone in an armband or walking with the phone in the pocket and the hand on top.The headphones are also compatible not only with Bluetooth LE Audio but also with multipoint Bluetooth. As such, they can be coected to a smartphone and a computer simultaneously, allowing you to watch a video meeting on your PC while answering a call on your smartphone. To activate this mode, go to the "dual coection" option in the Nothing X application. Furthermore, it is not necessarily the last source played that will be given priority, but you will have to pause the music on one source to enjoy the sound from the other. Phone calls, however, will necessarily take precedence.
NOISE REDUCTIO
Like the previous version - and unlike the Nothing ear (Stick) - the Nothing ear (2) has an active noise reduction function. This is based on the three microphones integrated into each earpiece - two on the outside and one towards the outside - as well as on the passive isolation offered by the silicon tips. According to the manufacturer, this would reduce certain sound frequencies by up to -40 dB. However, as is always the case, these figures should be taken with great caution as they only reflect a single frequency without considering all the frequencies audible around you.Nothing offers low, medium and high to manage the noise reduction on its headphones. An adaptive mode is also available to automatically manage the noise reduction level according to your sound environment. Finally, a "personalised noise reduction" mode will adapt to your ear canal.
TRANSPARENCY MODE
The Nothing earphones also offer a transparency mode that lets you better hear your environment or the people around you. Here, the result is very effective, with a reasonably natural rendering and a faithful reproduction of the sounds you could perceive without wearing the earphones. It's a success.
AUDIO
MICROPHONE
Of course, the Nothing ear (2) can be used as a microphone to make phone calls. The earphones are also equipped with three microphones each, which are used to capture and reduce ambient noise while recording your voice. Nothing also uses its noise reduction algorithm called "Clear voice technology" for calls.In reality, however, the Nothing ear (2) has difficulty reducing the noise around you. Suppose the earphones manage somewhat moderately in the case of constant noise. In that case, an open tap will be well attenuated after a few seconds - this is, however, at the expense of the clarity of the voice, which will be strongly compressed for your interlocutor.Above all, the headphones have difficulty filtering out noise in a noisy environment such as a busy street. They will tend to let everything through, even vehicle sounds, horns and surrounding voices, as if they were your voice.Overall, Nothing ear (2) can be frustrating to use in a noisy environment, and the person you are talking to may become frustrated after just a few minutes.
BATTERY LIFE
To ensure the battery life of the earphones, Nothing has integrated a 33mAh battery for each earphone, while the housing has a 485mAh battery. By comparison, the first models had a 31mAh battery in the earphones and 570mAh in the case.According to Nothing, this battery should allow the headphones to be used for 4 hours with noise reduction - 22.5 hours with the case - and for 6.3 hours without noise reduction - 36 hours with the case.To charge the headphones in the case, it will take 35 minutes to go from 0 to 90%, then another 52 minutes to go from 90 to 100% battery, so a full charge in 1 hour 27 minutes. Again, this is a far cry from the standards seen over the last two years.The Nothing ear (2) case can be charged using a USB-C plug - a short USB-C to USB-C cable is supplied - or wirelessly, thanks to its compatibility with the Qi induction charging standard.
CONCLUSIO
Ready to Purchase?
Check current prices and availability on Amazon
Affiliate Disclosure: Truthful Reviews is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Amazon EU Associates Programme, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. This means if you click on an Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our independent testing and honest reviews. Our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers or affiliate partnerships.