Sony WF-1000XM5
Nothing Ear (a) B162
What Buyers Say
Sony WF-1000XM5
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds receive mixed feedback. Many users praise the excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable fit, making them great for travel and workouts. However, a significant number of complaints focus on Bluetooth connectivity issues, poor ANC compared to previous models, and fit problems that cause discomfort or earbuds falling out. Battery life and case charging also draw criticism, with some users experiencing defects. Overall, while the audio performance is often lauded, reliability and fit concerns prevent a higher rating.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit
- Great battery life
- Customizable app
Cons
- Bluetooth connectivity issues
- Poor ANC compared to previous models
- Fit problems causing discomfort
- Earbuds fall out easily
- Case battery drains quickly
Nothing Ear (a) B162
The Nothing Ear (a) earbuds receive mostly positive feedback for their sound quality, strong bass, and value for money, with several users praising the ANC and fit. However, some reviewers report issues with comfort over long periods, battery life, a difficult-to-open case, and occasional connectivity or charging defects. Overall, they are seen as a solid budget option, especially for Nothing phone owners, but not without flaws.
Pros
- Strong bass and sound quality
- Good value for money
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit for many
- Easy setup and app
Cons
- Uncomfortable after long hours
- Battery life not great
- Case hard to open
- Occasional connectivity issues
- Charging defect in one bud
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WF-1000XM5 | Nothing Ear (a) B162 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XS, S, M, L | Small, Medium, Large |
| Weight | 0.01 kg★ | 0.05 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 8.399999618530273 mm | 11 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 20 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz | 40 kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | AAC, LC3, LDAC, SBC | LDAC |
| Surround | Dolby Atmos | Simulated Surround, Stereo |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | hybrid |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | USB Type C | USB Type C |
| Range | 10 m | 10.100000381469727 m★ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs | 42.5 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs | 2 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 3 Minutes for 1 Hour | fast charging |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 24 hrs | 42.5 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6 | 6 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Voice assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Sony Headphone Connect App | Nothing X |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | Water-Resistant |
Pros & Cons
Sony WF-1000XM5
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (12th percentile)12th %ile
Nothing Ear (a) B162
- Strong battery (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong connectivity (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Below average user sentiment (33rd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 3 of 40 specs.