Nothing Ear 2 now on Heyup tryouts but what can you expect?

 

In the midst of the exciting news that the Nothing Ear (2) has landed on Heyup Tryouts for everyone to try, we thought it only right that we conduct an exploration into the realm of Nothing, to show you what these compact yet mighty bass aficionados have to offer. 

In a world where we’re up to our ears in wireless earbuds (literally), Nothing – a British upstart that's determined to make you hear and see... well, nothing – is shaking up the audio landscape. Following the launch of their first product, the Nothing Ear (1), they are now back with their second ANC earbuds: the Nothing Ear (2). 

In this guide we’ll jump into the world of Nothing’s new Audio Air Huggers so you have all the information you need before you head over to Heyup Tryouts to give them a whirl. 

Price: $149 / £129 

The Nothing Ear (2) earbuds hit the shelves with a price tag that matches the company's commitment to transparency—no hidden costs or surprises. And just like their transparent design, they manage to blend in seamlessly with the crowd, offering a remarkable range of flagship features for a tantalizingly affordable price.

So, if you're in the market for earbuds that won't empty your pockets, Nothing's got you covered.

Design: Can You Hear the Fashion?

These little buds not only deliver crisp sounds but also serve as a fashion statement. That's the Nothing Ear (2) for you, flaunting the same see-through aesthetics as its predecessor. 

With a drop-stem design reminiscent of a certain fruity competitor, these earbuds are only available in one shade—white. But fear not, for their comfort and fit make up for the lack of a rainbow palette. 

Plus, they're now more resistant to dust, sweat, and moisture, making them perfect for those intense workout sessions or unexpectedly emotional listening experiences.

Controls and Digital Assistant: Tap, Swipe, But Beware the Big Fingers

The touch controls on the Ear (2) earbuds offer a responsive and tactile experience. But here's a slight warning: if you have larger-than-life fingers, navigating these controls might be a tad challenging. Digital assistant support is also absent, meaning you'll have to rely on your own wit and wisdom to get things done. It's time to unleash your inner multitasking maestro.

Sound Quality: The Good, the Fizz, and the Ugly

Equipped with personalized sound and ANC, the Ear (2) boasts a sound profile that's tuned to impress. These earbuds deliver a balanced and rewarding audio experience. The default "Balanced" profile hits the sweet spot, showcasing powerful bass and strong vocals. However, there's a fly in the sonic ointment. Certain tracks can reveal a tendency for treble sounds to fizz and distort, giving them an unrefined and metallic edge. 

Active Noise Cancellation: Tackles Noise, But Is It Truly Silent?

While the Ear (2) brings some ANC magic to the table, it falls short of achieving noise-cancelling nirvana. Background sounds still manage to sneak their way into your auditory space, making you question whether you actually turned on ANC or were just daydreaming. 

But fear not, for Nothing has upped its game with Adaptive ANC and a Transparency mode that lets you eavesdrop on the world around you with ease. It's like having your very own superpower—except it won't save you from your noisy neighbor's karaoke sessions.

Battery Life and Charging: A Balancing Act

Battery life is always a hot topic when it comes to wireless earbuds, and the Nothing Ear (2) aims to strike a balance between power and longevity. With ANC enabled, these earbuds clock in at a modest 4 hours of playback time, which may leave you yearning for a few extra hours of uninterrupted audio bliss.

In comparison, its close contender, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, manages to squeeze out 6 hours with ANC on, leaving the Ear (2) trailing behind in the endurance race. 

However, all is not lost as Nothing claims to have extended the battery life of the Ear (2) by utilizing a power-optimized chip. The charging case brings some redemption, offering a playback time of up to 22.5 hours with ANC or 36 hours without, bringing it closer to the industry standard.

If you find yourself in a rush and need a quick power boost, fear not. Nothing has bestowed the Ear (2) with a 10-minute fast charge that promises up to 8 hours of use with ANC off. It's a handy feature for those moments when you're running late and your earbuds are in dire need of some juice. After all, in the world of fast-paced living, every minute counts—even in the realm of charging.

A Steadfast Connection in a Wireless World

When it comes to call quality and connectivity, the Nothing Ear (2) continues to deliver a solid performance. Building on the success of its predecessor, the Ear (1), these earbuds offer good call quality, ensuring clear and intelligible conversations on both ends of the line. Background noise is effectively minimized, and even the pesky wind noise that can plague outdoor calls remains surprisingly absent.

Connectivity-wise, the Ear (2) shines with its robust Bluetooth 5.3 connection. Whether you're wandering around different parts of your home or venturing further afield, you can expect a stable and uninterrupted connection, free from frustrating dropouts. With the Ear (2), you can roam freely while staying connected.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Nothing Ear (2) impresses with its personalized features and a sleek companion app that adds a touch of sophistication to the listening experience. The personal sound profile and overall sound balance leave a positive impression, showcasing Nothing's commitment to audio quality. 

Ultimately, the Ear (2) is a solid option that checks off many boxes for desirable features. But don’t just take our word for it, head over to Heyup Tryouts now and you can try out the Nothing Ear 2 completely free. All you need to do is sign up and add it to your wishlist. 

And don’t forget to head to our community page to tell us which products you’d like to see next.