Nothing Ear (2) Review: Active noise cancellation and touch controls “different and exciting—simple, beautiful”

The Nothing Ear (1) splashed in the premium True Wireless Stereo (TWS) segment, capturing a 7% market share thanks to its impressive features and connectivity. With 4,800 units selling out within the first two minutes of launch, it’s no wonder that the follow-up, Nothing Ear (2), released on March 22, 2023, has generated significant buzz. But with a price tag of ₹9,999, is it worth it? Let’s dive into the details.

Design

At first glance, you might notice little difference between the original Nothing Ear (1) and the new Ear (2). However, subtle changes improve the overall experience. The case is now more compact with angled edges, and the earbuds feature a reduced dimple size for a better grip. A USB-C port and pairing button are conveniently placed on the bottom side of the case. One notable change is replacing the side-mounted touch-sensitive area with a pressure-sensitive button, making the controls more intuitive. Remember, though, that the case is prone to scratches, so you’ll want to handle it carefully.

Performance

Performance is where the Nothing Ear (2) truly shines. The new dual-chamber design, with an updated custom diaphragm and an 11.6 mm dynamic driver in each bud, promises clear audio with deep, soft bass. You can also create a personal sound profile, allowing you to tweak the sound to your liking. Even at full volume, the sound remains crisp without any distortion—a testament to the quality of these earbuds.

Distinctive features

The Nothing Ear (2) comes packed with all the features you’d expect from premium earbuds. You can control music, make calls, and customize the sound experience with advanced EQ settings. The personalised ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) allows you to adjust noise cancellation levels. The earbuds are IP54 water-resistant, and the charging case is also IP55 rated. With ANC off, you can enjoy up to 36 hours of playback, and the earbuds support 2.5W wireless charging for added convenience.

UI and Touch Control

The user interface and touch controls have seen significant improvements. With multiple music, calls, and frequency adjustment controls, the UI is intuitive and easy to navigate. You can maintain separate sound profiles for quick access, making the experience more personalized than ever.

ANC

ANC has become a standard feature in most earbuds, but the Nothing Ear (2) takes it further. ANC can reduce noise by up to 40 dB, offering three levels of personalization. The adaptive mode detects unwanted noise in your environment and adjusts accordingly to enhance your listening experience.

Sound quality

The Nothing Ear (2) ‘s sound quality is outstanding, with a balanced blend of bass, smoothness, and clarity. The 11.6 mm dynamic driver delivers high-quality audio, and even at full volume, the sound remains impeccable. Features like ANC and sound personalization only add to its appeal, making it one of the best-sounding earbuds on the market.

Final verdict

After considering all the factors, it’s clear that Nothing Ear (2) is a worthy investment. It’s lightweight, supports wireless charging, offers a robust app, and has several advanced features. Priced at ₹9,999, it’s a deal that’s hard to pass up. If the features meet your needs, don’t hesitate to grab them during the next Flipkart sale.

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