Selecting the perfect pair of true wireless earphones can be a daunting task, given the myriad of options available in the market today.
In this detailed review, we will dissect and compare two popular contenders: the Nothing Ear 2 and the OnePlus Buds Pro 2.
We’ll delve into every aspect, from design and build quality to comfort, connectivity, sound quality, and battery life, to help you make an informed decision.
Nothing Ear 2 vs OnePlus Buds Pro 2: Specs Comparison
| Feature | Nothing Ear 2 | OnePlus Buds Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Earbuds – 4.5 grams each Case – 51.9 grams | Earbuds – 4.9 grams each Case – 47.3 grams |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth v5.3 | Bluetooth v5.3 |
| Codecs supported | SBC, AAC, and LHDC | SBC, AAC, LC3, and LHDC |
| ANC | Yes | Yes |
| Battery life | Up to 26.5 hours (with the case) and ANC | Up to 25 hours (with the case) and ANC |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| IP rating | Earbuds – IP54 Case – IP55 | Earbuds – IP55 Case – IPX4 |
| Price | $150 | $179 |
| Where to buy? (Best Deal) | View on AliExpress | View on AliExpress |
Nothing Ear 2 vs OnePlus Buds Pro 2: Design and Build Quality
Aesthetic Appeal:
- When it comes to design, the first thing that catches your eye with the Nothing Ear 2 is its striking appearance. Resembling delicate flower petals, these earbuds offer a unique and distinctive look.
- However, a drawback worth noting is the susceptibility of the Nothing Ear 2 to visible scratches despite its alluring design.
- In contrast, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 maintains a sleek and minimalistic design that exudes sophistication. Its case is remarkably scratch-resistant, adding to its premium look.
Case Design:
- Both earphones come with compact cases that support wireless charging. The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 case stands out with its slim and buttery-smooth finish, making it an appealing addition to your pocket or bag.
One-Handed Operation:
- Opening both cases with a single hand can be a bit tricky; they generally require the use of both hands. However, the Nothing Ear 2 case allows slightly more one-handed accessibility due to its looser hinge.
Attention to Detail:
- The Nothing Ear 2 impresses with its meticulous attention to minor details, visible in both the earbuds and the case.
- OnePlus Buds Pro 2, on the other hand, offers a subtler and minimalist appearance.
IP Ratings:
- In terms of build quality, both earphones boast IP ratings, indicating resistance to water and dust. The Nothing Ear 2 has an IP54 rating for the earphones and IP55 for the case, while OnePlus Buds Pro 2 boasts an IP55 rating for both earphones and case.
Comfort and Wearability:
- Both the Nothing Ear 2 and OnePlus Buds Pro 2 offer excellent comfort, ensuring a pleasant wearing experience even during extended use. While the stem of Nothing Ear 2 feels slightly smaller, making it more convenient for some users, both earphones excel in delivering comfort, especially during long meetings or while using active noise cancellation (ANC).
Nothing Ear 2 vs OnePlus Buds Pro 2: Connectivity and Customization
Bluetooth and Fast Pairing:
- Both earphones feature Bluetooth 5.3 and support Google Fast Pair, guaranteeing seamless connectivity.
- Pairing is quick and effortless, allowing users to start using these earphones right out of the box.
Dedicated Apps:
- Nothing Ear 2 comes with the Nothing X app, while OnePlus Buds Pro 2 has its LED app, offering extensive customization options.
- Users can configure gestures, including track navigation, in both earphones. However, OnePlus Buds Pro 2 provides a more user-friendly experience when configuring settings.
Volume Control:
- An advantage of the Nothing Ear 2 is its inclusion of volume control options in the app, a feature absent in OnePlus Buds Pro 2.
- This feature allows users to adjust volume without needing to reach for their connected device, enhancing convenience.
Gaming Mode:
- Nothing Ear 2 offers a dedicated gaming mode within its app, although it currently works exclusively with Nothing phones.
- OnePlus Buds Pro 2, on the other hand, lacks a dedicated in-app option for gaming mode and requires users to assign it via a long-press gesture.
Sound Customization:
- Both apps provide customization options for sound profiles and equalizer settings, allowing users to fine-tune their listening experience.
Codecs:
- Both earphones support AAC, SBC, and LDAC codecs, ensuring compatibility with various devices and high-quality audio transmission.
Spatial Audio:
- Spatial audio functionality is currently limited to OnePlus devices, specifically the OnePlus 11, providing an immersive audio experience unique to OnePlus users.
Nothing Ear 2 vs OnePlus Buds Pro 2: Sound Quality
Driver Configuration:
- Nothing Ear 2 boasts 11.6 mm dynamic drivers, while OnePlus Buds Pro 2 features dual drivers with 6 mm tweeters and 11 mm bass drivers.
Sound Balance:
- The Nothing Ear 2 delivers a balanced sound profile, ideal for users seeking a clear and even listening experience.
- OnePlus Buds Pro 2 offers a well-rounded sound quality with good highs, mids, and bass, even without any equalizer adjustments.
Sound Customization:
- While Nothing Ear 2’s app allows users to fine-tune the sound profile according to their preferences, OnePlus Buds Pro 2 offers out-of-the-box tuning options for enhanced bass.
Codecs:
- Both earphones support AAC, SBC, and LDAC codecs, ensuring compatibility with high-quality audio transmission.
Spatial Audio:
- Spatial audio functionality is currently limited to OnePlus devices, providing an immersive audio experience for OnePlus users.
ANC and Transparency Intensity:
- Both earphones offer adjustable ANC and Transparency modes, allowing users to customize their listening experience.
- OnePlus Buds Pro 2 exhibits a slightly finer level of ANC optimization compared to Nothing Ear 2.
Microphone Quality:
- The microphone quality in both earphones is impressive, delivering clear and natural-sounding audio during calls.
Nothing Ear 2 vs OnePlus Buds Pro 2: Battery Life
Single Charge:
- Nothing Ear 2 provides approximately 4.5 hours of playback time on a single charge.
- OnePlus Buds Pro 2 offers slightly longer playback time, around 5 hours to 5 hours and 20 minutes, on a single charge.
Combined Battery Backup:
- When considering the charging case, Nothing Ear 2 offers a combined battery backup of approximately 8.5 hours.
- In contrast, OnePlus Buds Pro 2 provides a longer combined battery backup of approximately 25 hours.
Nothing Ear 2 vs OnePlus Buds Pro 2: Final Verdict
In conclusion, both OnePlus Buds Pro 2 vs Nothing Ear 2 are exceptional true wireless earphones, each catering to different user preferences. Your choice between the two will ultimately depend on your priorities and budget.
If you value a unique design, balanced sound, and affordability, the Nothing Ear 2 is an attractive option at around $150. While it may require some equalizer adjustments, it offers an overall impressive experience.
On the other hand, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 provides a sleek and minimalist design, durability, and out-of-the-box tuning options, priced at $179. It delivers a refined audio experience, especially for users who prefer enhanced bass.
Both earphones have their strengths, and your decision should align with your specific preferences and requirements. Regardless of your choice, you can expect high-quality audio and performance from both the Nothing Ear 2 and OnePlus Buds Pro 2.
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Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
