![]() For the Ear 2, however, Nothing has swapped out that mechanism for an AirPods-like pinch system. On the Ear 1, you paused your music and controlled the volume by tapping and sliding on the bud’s stems. One of the Ear 2’s most significant overhauls is in how you control them. So while they can handle your workout sweat or a little spill on your desk, you can’t go running with them in the rain. In addition, the Ear 2 have better water-dust protection, but you still can’t submerge them in water. In fact, in the few weeks I’ve used it, there are barely any, compared to my experience with Ear 1, of which their case had collected so many by the time I wrote their review that its clear plastic had lost its original sheen and smoothness. The Ear 2’s case is also constructed out of more durable plastic and no longer picks up as many scratches as the Ear 1’s. Its bottom now protrudes out of the transparent case, which offers a better grip on the base. Much of that can be credited to the plastic housing inside that holds the charging tech. The case is now smaller and lighter, and easier to open with one hand. While there are no cosmetic differences from their predecessor, Nothing has made a handful of practical changes to the build. They’re comfortable too I’ve had no problems wearing them for hours on end, and the three sizes of ear tips in the box mean I could find a fit that stayed snug even when I was on the treadmill. They’re a head-turner for sure, and I’ve lost count of the times someone has asked me about them. The Nothing Ear 2’s design still feels refreshing among all the similar-looking earbuds out there. It’s not just not as convenient as dropping earbuds into a vertical holster-esque case, as you get with the AirPods. ![]() They’re magnetic, so you don’t have to fuss around with aligning them properly, but I’m still not convinced if their horizontal setup is the best path forward. It has two color-coded slots where you can slip the earbuds for charging. The boxy charging case is made out of clear plastic as well, exposing the earbuds they house as if they’re a public art exhibit. Though the all-white buds that go into your ears themselves are similar to others, like Apple’s AirPods, their stems are transparent, giving you a peek into the circuitry and components inside. They inherit the same look as their predecessors, and frankly, I’m not complaining. You’ll be hard-pressed to tell the new Nothing Ear 2 apart from the Ear 1 on the outside. Yet, after carrying them around for two weeks everywhere, from airplanes to gyms, Nothing has made it worth it: the Ear 2 offer a far superior experience than the Ear 1 with improved sound, a sturdier see-through build, and multi-device connectivity. At $149, the Nothing Ear 2 earbuds are 50% costlier than the Ear 1 were at launch. These improvements have come at a hefty cost, however.
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