Nothing Ear 2 Review: A Sound Evolution and Polished Performance

In 2021, Nothing burst onto the consumer tech scene with the launch of their Ear 1 true wireless earbuds. These earbuds, priced at $99, garnered attention for their stylish design, but they were not without their flaws. Users experienced bugs and found the noise-canceling performance to be somewhat lacking. 

Fast forward two years, and Nothing has introduced the Ear 2 earbuds, signaling a refresh to their product lineup. While they share a striking resemblance to their predecessors, these Ear 2 earbuds come with several quality-of-life improvements. Notable among these enhancements is support for multipoint connectivity, allowing users to connect to two devices simultaneously. 

Despite the similarities in appearance, the Ear 2s offer a more refined and polished user experience. Many of the bugs have been ironed out, and the active noise cancellation has been improved significantly. These factors combine to deliver a sound quality that is noticeably superior, making the Ear 2s a much more compelling option for audio enthusiasts.

However, the $149 price tag of the Ear 2 earbuds represents a 50 percent increase from the original Ear 1s. This price adjustment positions the Ear 2s in a more competitive space, challenging established players like Apple's AirPods and Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2. The higher price means that Nothing's Ear 2 earbuds need to excel in performance and features to justify the increased cost to consumers.

While the physical differences between the Ear 1s and Ear 2s are minimal, with the Ear 2s being slightly slimmer and lighter, the key improvements lie in their performance and user experience. These include better battery life with ANC on, support for wireless charging, and an IP54 rating for improved durability.

The Ear 2s also introduce a host of personalization features, including sound personalization, ANC personalization, and an equalizer, all accessible through the Nothing X app. These features aim to tailor the listening experience to individual preferences, although their effectiveness can vary.

In summary, the Nothing Ear 2 earbuds represent a maturation of the product line. While they may appear similar to their predecessors on the surface, the improvements in performance, sound quality, and user experience make them a competitive choice in the midrange wireless earbuds market, albeit at a higher price point than before.