Nothing Ear (a) Black
Score: 81/100
Sony WF-C510
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Nothing Ear (a) are lightweight true-wireless earbuds offering up to 42.5 hours of total playback and 45 dB hybrid ANC. They lack wireless charging and the microphones are mediocre, leading to occasional call quality issues. Ideal for budget-conscious users who value long battery life and customizable EQ.
The Sony WF-C510 are ultra-light true-wireless earbuds offering up to 22 hours of total playback and convenient multipoint Bluetooth. They lack active noise cancellation and premium codecs, limiting audiophile appeal. Ideal for commuters and budget-focused users seeking comfort and long battery life.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
42.5 hoursbest | 22 hours | |
9.5 hours | 11 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 60 minutesbest | 90 minutes |
11 mmbest | 6 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 10 minutes | 5 minutesbest |
— | 10 metersbest | |
5,000 Hz | 20,000 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 59.6 g | 40.2 gbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(2) | ||
IP Rating | IP54 | IPX4 |
Total Weight (Earbuds + Case) (g) | 59.6 g | 40.2 g |
Battery & Power(4) | ||
Battery Life (Total with Case) (hours) | 42.5 hours | 22 hours |
Battery Life (Earbuds Only) (hours) | 9.5 hours | 11 hours |
Charging Time (Full) (minutes) | 60 minutes | 90 minutes |
Quick Charge Time (10 min boost) (minutes) | 10 minutes | 5 minutes |
Audio(3) | ||
Supported Audio Codecs | AAC, LDAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
Driver Size (mm) | 11 mm | 6 mm |
Frequency Response (Hz) | 5000 Hz | 20000 Hz |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Ear (a) for delivering premium-level sound quality, a sophisticated adaptive ANC system, and a highly customizable app, all at a sub-$100 price point. They also note the low harmonic distortion and rapid charging as standout technical achievements, while pointing out the need for manual Fast Pair reconnections and the relatively modest microphone performance.
Everyday users love the earbuds' sleek transparent design, strong ANC for the price, lightweight comfort, and the long battery life provided by the case. Common frustrations revolve around occasional connectivity hiccups with iPhones, the need to re-pair after device power cycles, and the earbuds' microphone not being as clear as desired.
Professional reviewers commend the WF-C510 for its feather-light weight, solid 11-hour battery life, and convenient Bluetooth Multipoint capability, positioning it as a strong value proposition in the budget true-wireless segment. However, they note the high-frequency roll-off and absence of ANC or premium codecs, indicating the sound signature may not satisfy audiophiles or users seeking advanced audio features.
Everyday users praise the earbuds for their comfort, long battery life, and easy device switching, highlighting the compact case and IPX4 rating as practical for daily commutes and workouts. Recurring complaints focus on the subdued treble, lack of ANC, and limited information about call quality, suggesting the product is best for casual listening rather than critical audio or noisy environments.
