Nothing Ear (2) Review

Connection Stability

Test Conditions: Qobuz Studio App + Android 13 Phone, LHDC codec enabled, buds set to Hi-Res ON within the Nothing X App. Earbuds FW: 1.0.1.88

The Ear (2) from Nothing features support for the LHDC codec, one of the most advanced Bluetooth audio codecs currently available. It’s a rarity to find TWS IEMs with full LHDC support, as the implementation of this codec requires significant resources, often leading manufacturers to opt for the less demanding AptX or other lower-quality codecs. Despite this, Nothing has successfully integrated this Hi-Res codec in the Ear (2). However, it’s worth noting that this codec is only available on the Android platform due to Apple’s limitations.

As I previously mentioned, implementing the LHDC is not an easy task, however, Nothing, with the Ear (2), has used an up-to-date chipset that can provide a stable 5.3 BL connection, whilst offering other useful features. Over a month of usage, I’ve experienced no connection instability with the Ear (2), literally zero stutters. I’ve also tested it on my Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max using the AAC codec, and despite the absence of the LHDC codec, the buds performed well, providing a stable experience from the day one.

Let’s dive into signal latency. I tested the official YouTube app on my Android 12 phone and found the experience satisfactory, with no noticeable latency even without the Low Latency Mode. While there was a slight delay with Netflix and Prime Video, it didn’t impact my viewing experience. However, gaming presented a more significant delay. Playing Diablo Immortal without the Low Latency Mode was less than ideal. Activating the Low Latency Mode improved the situation somewhat, but as is often the case, I wouldn’t recommend any TWS for competitive mobile gaming.

Overall, I can easily say that the Ear (2) delivers reliable and consistent connection stability, making it a solid contender in this price range, connectivity-wise.

Nothing X App

The Nothing X app, available on both Android and iOS platforms, is an essential companion app for the Ear (2). I highly recommend downloading it immediately upon receiving the Ear (2), as it facilitates crucial software updates that significantly enhance the performance of these buds. Nothing is continuously refining the firmware, optimizing features, adjusting the ANC, and tweaking the sound of the IEMs. My initial experience with the Ear (2) was underwhelming until I updated the firmware via the app, which dramatically improved the sound quality. My pair’s FW was severely outdated before updating. The update process is straightforward and took about three minutes to bring my pair up to the latest firmware.

The app offers lots of useful features. Firstly, it allows you to customize the pinch sensor controls, assigning new actions and gestures such as ‘pinch & hold’ and ‘triple pinch.’ The level of customization extends to each bud individually. You can also adjust the strength of the ANC within the app, with options for adaptive and high settings.

Under the ‘Device Settings’ tab, you’ll find several toggleable features, including in-ear detection, low lag mode, high-quality audio (LHDC), dual connection, ear tip fit test, and a ‘Find My Earbuds(with high-pitch sound)’ feature.

The app also includes a ‘Personal Sound Profile’ section, which conducts a hearing test to assess your sensitivity to various frequency ranges and creates a custom profile based on the results. There’s also a personalized ANC test, the purpose of which is somewhat unclear, but I think it is auto-setting the ANC level based on the ambient noise in your current environment.

Additionally, the app features a 3-band EQ, allowing you to customize the bass, mid, and treble of the earphones within a range of -6 to +6 levels. I found the default ‘Balanced’ option to be superior to all other combinations. The app also displays the battery level of each earbud and the case.

The app’s design is consistent with Nothing’s overall aesthetic, featuring a pleasing black-and-white color scheme and a distinctive dotted font. It’s a well-designed, user-friendly tool that significantly enhances the user experience with the Ear (2).

Active Noise Canceling (ANC) & Transparency

The Nothing Ear (2) boasts Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) with three microphones per side, operating at a noise cancellation bandwidth of 5000Hz. AI-powered Noise Cancellation reduces external noise to help create a quieter listening environment. The performance of the ANC is not on par with industry giants like the Bose QC Earbuds II or Apple AirPods Pro 2, but it does a good job of reducing low frequencies to almost nothing. In my opinion, Ear(2)’s performance could improve if they moved to tips that seal more, perhaps with thicker material, but I really like the loose but great seal these provide, basically why we forget to wear them, so my thoughts are conflicted on this. As with everything in life, we can’t have it all. 

The in-ears excel in canceling out lower-frequency noises, such as the fan noise from my NVIDIA 3090 graphic card spinning at 2000 RPM about 45 centimeters away from me. However, they struggle with higher-pitched sounds, a common issue among many ANC-enabled TWSs. Despite this, the Ear (2)’s ANC performance is praiseworthy, especially when compared to unlimited-budget goliath companies like Apple.

The Ear (2)’s Transparency Mode is particularly noteworthy. It stands out as one of the best Transparency Modes available, offering a natural feel, quick activation, and excellent clarity. This feature makes tasks like conversing with others and identifying incoming traffic effortless. This level of refinement in Transparency Mode is rare among TWSs, particularly in the audiophile sphere.

The effectiveness of the ANC can also be influenced by the fit of the IEMs. After experimenting with different ear tips, I found that longer tips provide better isolation with the Ear (2). Trying out double flanges and triple flanges resulted in improved sound and ANC performance. Therefore, if you own the Ear (2), I recommend experimenting with a variety of aftermarket tips.

In conclusion, the Nothing Ear (2) offers a solid ANC performance and an exceptional Transparency Mode. While there is room for improvement, particularly in the treatment of higher-pitched sounds, the IEMs are a significant step forward in the right direction for Nothing.

Call Quality

Let’s talk about voice capture efficiency and call quality. As mentioned before, Ear (2) features 3 microphones per earbud and the mics support Clear Voice Technology, which is a voice isolation tech for improved call quality. Also works for Discord and other apps that use the mics. I’ve attended many discord meetings during my time with the Ear (2) and I must say that I am impressed by it. The rods give the Ear (2) an acoustic advantage over other TWSs, especially those without rods. It captures my voice cleanly and clearly, it also performs better than the majority of TWS earphones that I have in my inventory. I have performed several call quality tests and the quality was quite good, even with static background noise. Compared to the AirPods Pro 2, it sometimes fared better, especially in quiet environments. Which is a big feat in my book. As with all TWS, voice isolation performance reduces with increased environmental noise, especially chatter, in crowded spaces but that is anticipatable. Overall, I am quite content with the call quality of the Ear (2).

The review continues on Page Three, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.

Page 1: Nothing Company, Ear (2), Packaging & Accessories, Design, Build & Fit

Page 2: Connection Stability, Nothing X App, Active Noise Canceling (ANC) & Transparency, Call Quality

Page 3: Battery Life, Sound & Performance, Comparison, Last Words