Nothing Ear (2) vs Sony WF-1000XM5 – Surprising Winner in 2025

The Nothing Ear (2) and Sony WF-1000XM5 have become two of the most talked-about earbuds in 2025, each known for completely different strengths. One offers a minimalist design, clean sound, and an attractive price. The other is a flagship giant with industry-leading noise cancellation and premium tuning. But when you compare them strictly on real-world use, daily performance, comfort, and sound quality, the result is much closer than most people expect. Here is the full comparison to help you decide which one actually fits your lifestyle.

Design & Comfort

The Nothing Ear (2) immediately stands out with its transparent design, showing internal components in a modern, futuristic style. The earbuds are lightweight, balanced, and easy to wear for long sessions without feeling heavy. Nothing keeps the fit simple: small stem, compact body, and a well-shaped tip that seals nicely. The Sony WF-1000XM5 takes a very different approach with a soft, rounded shape that fits securely and reduces pressure inside the ear. Sony’s foam-based tips expand slightly to create a solid seal, which helps both sound and ANC performance. The design looks premium but is less flashy than Nothing. In comfort, both perform well, but Sony offers a deeper, more secure fit, while Nothing feels lighter and less bulky.

Sound Quality

Sony remains one of the strongest brands in audio tuning. The WF-1000XM5 deliver a rich, dynamic sound with strong bass, warm mids, and smooth, detailed highs. Instruments feel textured, vocals have depth, and the soundstage is wide enough for immersive listening. Sony’s LDAC support enables high-resolution audio on compatible devices, making these earbuds a top choice for audiophiles. The Nothing Ear (2) leans toward a cleaner, more neutral profile. Bass is tight but not boosted, vocals are crisp, and highs are sharp without being harsh. Nothing’s dual-chamber design gives a surprisingly open sound for its size. For everyday music, the Ear (2) sounds modern and balanced, while Sony sounds fuller and more cinematic. Preference depends on your taste: clean vs. rich.

Active Noise Cancellation

Sony wins this category decisively. The WF-1000XM5 have some of the best ANC in the entire market, canceling out traffic, AC noise, voices, airplane hum, and general environmental sound with impressive strength. The transparency mode is also natural and clear. Nothing Ear (2) has decent ANC, but it’s not in the same league. It reduces background noise but won’t silence louder environments. For office use, commuting, and travel, Sony is far ahead.

Call Quality

The Sony WF-1000XM5 offers excellent call quality with effective noise reduction, making your voice sound cleaner even in crowded areas. The Nothing Ear (2) performs surprisingly well too, especially indoors, with clear microphone pickup and minimal distortion. But in windy or loud conditions, Sony still provides more stability. For work calls or outdoor calls, Sony is the more reliable option.

Battery Life

Battery performance differs depending on ANC use. The Sony WF-1000XM5 offers solid battery life that easily supports long listening sessions with ANC on. The Nothing Ear (2) offers respectable battery life but runs shorter, especially when using ANC or high-volume playback. For heavy users, Sony provides more endurance, but Nothing’s compact case and quick charging help reduce downtime.

Features & App Experience

Sony’s app is feature-packed with EQ controls, adaptive sound settings, multipoint connectivity, firmware updates, and advanced noise-control options. It gives deeper control for power users. The Nothing app is simple, clean, and easy to navigate. It offers custom EQ, gesture controls, and ear-fit tests without clutter. Sony provides advanced control, while Nothing delivers a smoother, minimalist experience.

Price & Value

This is where Nothing strikes hard. The Nothing Ear (2) costs significantly less while delivering clean sound, strong design, and enough features for most users. The Sony WF-1000XM5, being a premium model, is priced much higher but delivers class-leading ANC, richer audio, and a full premium ecosystem. If budget is important, Nothing is the better deal. If you want the best in class, Sony justifies its higher cost.

Final Verdict — Surprising Winner in 2025

Choose the Sony WF-1000XM5 if you want the absolute best ANC, deeper sound, stronger call quality, premium comfort, and full control through a powerful app. They are the better choice for travelers, office workers, and anyone who values audio performance above everything else.
Choose the Nothing Ear (2) if you want modern design, balanced sound, light comfort, and great value at a much lower price. For everyday listening, casual workouts, or simple daily use, the Ear (2) delivers more than expected for the cost.
The surprising part is how close the Nothing Ear (2) feels to a premium flagship despite costing far less, making it the strongest value pick in 2025.

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