Nothing Ear 2 announced: Everything you loved about Ear 1, but better

Nothing launched its first product — the Nothing Ear 1 — on July 27, 2021. It followed up that release with the slightly different Nothing Ear Stick in June 2022. Today, it’s launching yet another pair of true wireless earbuds. But this time, they are the true follow-up to the original Ear 1.

The appropriately named Nothing Ear 2 might look like an iterative version of the Ear 1, but there’s quite a bit going on under the hood that makes these earbuds a big step up over the original. If you want to get an in-depth look at these new earbuds, be sure to check out our full Nothing Ear 2 review. Continue on for a summary of what to expect.

Nothing Ear 2: What’s different?

The image above shows the Nothing Ear 1 next to the Ear 2. At first glance, you might think Nothing is pulling a fast one and just re-releasing a 2021 product. However, there are actually many differences here, both outside and inside.

• Design: Although the earbuds appear to look the same, the case and the buds themselves have been redesigned. The case is a bit smaller and uses fewer materials in its construction. The earbuds have the same shape but have been completely redesigned inside to accommodate all the other changes on this list.
• Codecs: The Nothing Ear 2 support LHDC 5.0, a significant step up over the Ear 1, which only supported AAC and SBC (both are also available on the Ear 2). LHDC 5.0 ensures a frequency transmission of up to 24 bit/192kHz at speeds of up to 1Mbps. In other words, Bluetooth will sound closer to wired than ever before.
• Bluetooth: Speaking of Bluetooth, the Ear 2 jump up to Bluetooth 5.4 from the original’s Bluetooth 5.2. They also now support multi-point connections, allowing you to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously.
• Controls: Instead of tapping on the stems of the earbuds for playback control, you now squeeze the stems. This should be easier and more accurate for starting/stopping playback, switching tracks, etc. You can modify these controls in the Nothing X app.
• ANC: The active noise-cancelation (ANC) has been upgraded in the Nothing Ear 2. Not only is it more effective at blocking sound, but it also can change to suit your specific ear canal shape. It also has a new Adaptive Mode that can increase or decrease ANC automatically by listening to your surroundings.
• Battery life: With ANC off, Nothing says you can get up to 6.3 hours of playback on the Ear 2, a step up over the Ear 1’s claimed longevity of six hours. With ANC off and a fully-charged case, you can get up to 36 hours of playback before running out of juice.
• Durability: The Ear 2 are IP54 rated while the case is IP55 rated. The Ear 1 were only IPX4 rated.
• Personal Sound Profile: The Nothing X app still has equalizer controls, but now they are more refined and automatic. Using the Personal Sound Profile, you can run through a hearing test, and the Nothing X app will give you equalized levels personally catered to your hearing.

Nothing Ear 2: Specs

Nothing Ear 2: Image gallery

Nothing Ear 2: Pricing and availability

You can buy the Nothing Ear 2 starting today, March 22. For now, the exclusive place to buy them is Nothing.tech. In the United States, you’ll pay $149 for the earbuds, while United Kingdom residents will pay £129 (~$157). They only come in one colorway for now, which is white. We assume a black model will launch eventually, but Nothing would not comment on this.

Tomorrow, March 23, buyers can head to the Nothing Store Soho in London to grab a pair of these earbuds. And, starting on March 28, the Nothing Ear 2 will hit general sales through third-party retail partners.