Nothing Ear (3)
Sony WF-1000XM5
What Buyers Say
Nothing Ear (3)
The Nothing Ear (3) earbuds receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their impressive sound quality, effective 45dB active noise cancellation, and stylish transparent design. Users highlight the comfortable fit, solid battery life, and convenient features like dual connect and pinch controls. However, a few concerns include microphone failure after a few months for one user, and another notes that while good, the earbuds don't quite live up to the hype from YouTube reviews, with mid-level noise cancellation. Overall, they are seen as excellent value, especially when purchased at a discount.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass
- Effective 45dB active noise cancellation
- Stylish transparent design
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Microphone failure after a few months
- Noise cancellation is only mid-level
- Battery life with ANC around 5.5 hours
- Does not fully live up to YouTube hype
- Case larger than AirPods Pro
Sony WF-1000XM5
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds receive mixed feedback. While many users praise the excellent sound quality and effective noise cancellation, a significant number report issues with Bluetooth connectivity, fit, and reliability, including charging problems and microphone failures. The earbuds are generally considered a good upgrade for some, but others find them uncomfortable and prone to dislodging, with the ANC not living up to expectations compared to previous models or competitors.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit for many
- Good battery life
- Great app customization
Cons
- Bluetooth connectivity issues
- Poor fit for some ears
- Uncomfortable for extended wear
- ANC not as good as expected
- Charging case problems
Scores
Specifications
| Nothing Ear (3) | Sony WF-1000XM5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | Small, Medium, Large | XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.01 kg★ | 0.01 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 12 mm★ | 8.399999618530273 mm |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 20 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz | 40 kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 108 dB★ | 102 dB |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | LDAC | AAC, LC3, LDAC, SBC |
| Surround | Simulated Surround, Stereo | Dolby Atmos |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | hybrid | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.4★ | 5.3 |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | Bluetooth | USB Type C |
| Range | 10.100000381469727 m★ | 10 m |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 10 hrs★ | 8 hrs |
| Charge Time | 1.5 hrs★ | 2 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 5 | 3-minute quick charge will give you up to 60 minutes of play |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 19 hrs | 24 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✓ | ✓ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6 | 6 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Nothing X | Sony Headphones Connect |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bone Conduction | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | Water-Resistant | IPX4 |
Pros & Cons
Nothing Ear (3)
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong comfort (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong sound (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
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 (16th percentile)16th %ile
Pricing
Nothing Ear (3) offers 1.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 0 of 7 usage categories and 8 of 40 specs.
