Nothing Ear 2: Striking Design and Exceptional Value
The Nothing Ear 2 earbuds present an attractive alternative for those seeking high-quality running headphones without the hefty price tag of premium models like the Apple AirPods Pro 2. Combining an elegant aesthetic with reliable performance, these earbuds deliver significant value for everyday and intensive workout use.
Key Features of the Nothing Ear 2
The Nothing Ear 2 earbuds come equipped with ear gels, although they lack wingtips. Their extended stem design is reminiscent of the AirPods, yet the lightweight construction—each bud weighing just 4.5 grams—ensures a dependable fit that remains secure during runs, even on varied terrains. This lightweight build helps mitigate the risk of dislodgment typical of heavier wireless options.
The accompanying case, weighing 51 grams, balances portability with durability and is designed to fit conveniently in pockets or running belts. It’s classified with an IP55 rating, providing resistance against water and dust, making it suitable for various environments.
Durability is further enhanced with the earbuds carrying an IP54 rating, indicating protection against both splashes and sweat, as well as dust. Through rigorous testing in diverse conditions, they proved resilient, outperforming some higher-priced alternatives in this aspect.
Sound Quality and Customization
The earbuds feature 11.6mm dynamic drivers capable of producing sound levels up to 40dB. While the audio quality and customization options do not quite match those found in more expensive models, the performance remains commendable. Users can enjoy adjustable active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes, allowing for a tailored listening experience.
A complementary app facilitates further customization, including a simple ear tip fit test and basic control modifications. Controls are operated by pressing or squeezing the stems for actions like skipping tracks and pausing music, while volume adjustments are made by swiping—though this method may require some adaptation during physical activities.
Battery Life and Connectivity
In terms of battery longevity, the Nothing Ear 2 claims an impressive endurance of 6.3 hours with ANC disabled, an upgrade from its predecessor, the Ear (1) model’s 5 hours. With the charging case, users can extend this to an additional 29 hours. However, with ANC activated, these figures drop to 4 hours and 20.5 hours, respectively. The earbuds also support fast charging, providing 8 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging, along with Qi wireless charging capabilities.
During testing, the Nothing Ear 2 managed a 4-hour marathon with transparency mode engaged but exhibited a 30% battery drain over a 1-hour run and 80% over a 3-hour run without ANC or transparency features. Thus, real-world usage may fall short of the advertised battery performance.
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 technology, these earbuds can maintain connections with two devices simultaneously, although transitions between devices may not be as seamless as competitors. Additionally, in-ear detection enhances convenience, while the option to use one bud independently extends battery life further.
However, it is worth noting that the geolocation feature provided does not offer advanced tracking options, as it only enables a high-pitched sound to assist users in locating connected earbuds.
Conclusion: Overall Assessment of the Nothing Ear 2
Overall, the Nothing Ear 2 successfully builds upon the foundation laid by the original model, offering numerous enhancements in sound quality, battery duration, and overall durability. These earbuds stand out as excellent companions for running and everyday use, striking an impressive balance between affordability and functionality.
Testing Methodology
To evaluate the Nothing Ear 2, expert tester Kieran Alger rigorously assessed their performance in a variety of environments, including gym sessions and outdoor activities. Focus areas included audio quality, comfort during use, and the effectiveness of technological features offered by the earbuds.