Jabra Evolve2 Buds vs Nothing Ear (a) Comparison

Compare Jabra Evolve2 Buds vs Nothing Ear (a) side by side: specs, ratings, pros and cons, and which one fits your room best.

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Nothing Ear (a) product image
Nothing Ear (a)
Launch price $99

At a Glance

Jabra Evolve2 Buds

Is Teams your workday and do you want earbuds instead of an over-ear headset? The Jabra Evolve2 Buds are true wireless business earbuds with ANC, a six-sensor MultiSensor Voice system and a Jabra Link 380 USB adapter, certified for Microsoft Teams or the main UC platforms depending on the version.

Best For
All-day Microsoft Teams users
Launch Price
—
Dust/Water Rating
IP57
Bluetooth Codecs
AAC, SBC
Noise Cancelling
ANC
ANC Reduction
—
Mics per Bud
—
Battery (Buds)
8 h
Battery (With Case)
33 h
Multipoint
Yes
Nothing Ear (a)

Want near-premium earbud features on a budget? The Nothing Ear (a) are budget wireless earbuds with an 11 mm dynamic driver, up to 45 dB of ANC, LDAC support, Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint and IP54 buds in a transparent case.

Best For
Budget buyers who want style and ANC
Launch Price
$99
Dust/Water Rating
IP54
Bluetooth Codecs
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Noise Cancelling
Smart ANC, up to 45 dB
ANC Reduction
45 dB
Mics per Bud
3
Battery (Buds)
5.5 (ANC on), 9.5 (ANC off)
Battery (With Case)
24.5 (ANC on), 42.5 (ANC off)
Multipoint
Yes

Review Scores Compared

How we score

Expert Score

  • Jabra Evolve2 Buds8.6/10 Leads
  • Nothing Ear (a)8.5/10

Voice & Call Noise Isolation

  • Jabra Evolve2 Buds8.9/10 Leads
  • Nothing Ear (a)8.8/10

ANC & Transparency

  • Jabra Evolve2 Buds8.2/10
  • Nothing Ear (a)8.9/10 Leads

Battery & Case Charging

  • Jabra Evolve2 Buds8.9/10 Leads
  • Nothing Ear (a)6.9/10

Fit, Stability & Portability

  • Jabra Evolve2 Buds8.9/10
  • Nothing Ear (a)9.2/10 Leads

Connectivity & UC Integration

  • Jabra Evolve2 Buds9.6/10 Leads
  • Nothing Ear (a)7.0/10

Sound & Audio Quality

  • Jabra Evolve2 Buds7.4/10
  • Nothing Ear (a)9.7/10 Leads

Editorial Reviews Comparison

Voice & Call Noise Isolation

  • Jabra Evolve2 Buds8.9/10Leader
  • Nothing Ear (a)8.8/10

Jabra Evolve2 Buds

MultiSensor Voice combines four MEMS microphones with two bone-conduction voice pickup units. Jabra lists a mic bandwidth of 80 Hz to 8 kHz, which is wideband call audio rather than studio quality. A boom headset like the Evolve2 85 is still clearer in a loud space, since the mic sits closer to your mouth.

Nothing Ear (a)

Each bud carries three microphones, and Nothing's Clear Voice processing is trained to separate speech from background noise such as traffic and chatter. Voice quality is clear indoors and acceptable outside. Wind can still cause some interference, which is common at this price. For laptop calls, the buds act as standard Bluetooth headsets.

ANC & Transparency

  • Jabra Evolve2 Buds8.2/10
  • Nothing Ear (a)8.9/10Leader

Jabra Evolve2 Buds

Active noise cancellation is on board with a HearThrough mode that uses the outer microphones to let surrounding sound in. Jabra does not offer an adjustable ANC slider on this model, so it is on, HearThrough or off. On a train or in an open office the ANC takes the edge off engine rumble and air conditioning, helped by a good seal from the tips.

Nothing Ear (a)

Nothing rates the ANC at up to 45 dB, with adaptive and transparency modes. Smart ANC adjusts strength to your environment. Cancellation is excellent for the price, quieting trains and office hum effectively. It cannot match flagships with voices, but it beats most budget rivals. A good tip seal improves results noticeably, and the app's ear tip fit test helps you choose the right size.

Battery & Case Charging

  • Jabra Evolve2 Buds8.9/10Leader
  • Nothing Ear (a)6.9/10

Jabra Evolve2 Buds

Jabra quotes up to 8 hours of music with ANC on, or 10 hours with it off, and up to 33 hours in total with the pocket case. A quick charge gives back about an hour of use in a few minutes. Calls draw more power than music, so heavy call days end a little sooner.

Nothing Ear (a)

Nothing quotes up to 9.5 hours per charge and 42.5 hours with the case with ANC off, or 5.5 and 24.5 hours with ANC on. With ANC on, a full workday needs a recharge in the case. Without ANC, battery life is excellent. The case charges over USB-C, and there is no wireless charging.

Fit, Stability & Portability

  • Jabra Evolve2 Buds8.9/10
  • Nothing Ear (a)9.2/10Leader

Jabra Evolve2 Buds

Each bud weighs about 5.4 g, and the stem-free shape sits inside the ear without pressing on the outer ridge. Jabra includes several ear-tip sizes in the box. For a long block of back-to-back calls they stay comfortable, mainly because they are light and the pressure relief stops the blocked feeling some sealed buds cause.

Nothing Ear (a)

Each bud weighs 4.8 g, and they are rated IP54 for dust and splashes. The stem design is light and secure. The transparent stems look distinctive and fit easily in most ears. The case weighs 39.6 g and is wide, which makes it less pocketable than some rivals. The transparent lid shows the buds inside.

Connectivity & UC Integration

  • Jabra Evolve2 Buds9.6/10Leader
  • Nothing Ear (a)7.0/10

Jabra Evolve2 Buds

The buds use Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint, so a phone and a laptop can be connected at the same time. The included Jabra Link 380, in USB-A or USB-C, gives the PC a more stable link than built-in Bluetooth. Versions are certified for Microsoft Teams or for Zoom and Google Meet, and Jabra Direct and Xpress let IT push firmware and settings.

Nothing Ear (a)

Bluetooth 5.3 supports multipoint, Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair. The Nothing X app works on Android and iOS. Multipoint keeps the buds connected to a phone and laptop, which suits hybrid workers. On Nothing phones, ChatGPT voice integration is available. The app handles EQ, gesture mapping, ANC modes and firmware, with a low-lag mode for games and video.

Sound & Audio Quality

  • Jabra Evolve2 Buds7.4/10
  • Nothing Ear (a)9.7/10Leader

Jabra Evolve2 Buds

Each bud uses a 6 mm speaker, and Jabra Sound+ adds an adjustable EQ. Out of the box the tuning is balanced and slightly warm, which keeps voices forward on calls without making music thin. With podcasts and playlists between meetings they sound clean but not especially dynamic. Next to consumer flagships such as Sony's WF-1000XM5, bass has less weight and the soundstage is narrower.

Nothing Ear (a)

Each bud uses an 11 mm dynamic driver with a PMI and TPU diaphragm. Codecs include SBC, AAC and LDAC for higher-resolution streaming on compatible Android phones. The sound is balanced with lively bass and clear vocals. LDAC adds a touch more detail, while the Nothing X app's EQ lets you adjust tuning for podcasts or music.

Why Jabra Evolve2 Buds Beats Nothing Ear (a) (and Vice Versa)

Why Jabra Evolve2 Buds beats Nothing Ear (a)

  • Better connectivity & uc integration: 9.6 vs 7.0 out of 10
  • Better battery & case charging: 8.9 vs 6.9 out of 10
  • Water Resistance: IP57 vs IP54 (earbuds)
  • Battery (Buds): 8 h vs 5.5 (ANC on), 9.5 (ANC off)
  • Battery (With Case): 33 h vs 24.5 (ANC on), 42.5 (ANC off)
  • Wireless Charging: Yes (wireless kit versions) vs No

Why Nothing Ear (a) beats Jabra Evolve2 Buds

  • Better sound & audio quality: 9.7 vs 7.4 out of 10
  • Better anc & transparency: 8.9 vs 8.2 out of 10
  • Bud Weight: 4.8 g vs 5.4 g
  • Case Weight: 39.6 g vs 52 g
  • Driver Size: 11 mm vs 6 mm
  • Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC vs AAC, SBC

Review-score leads of 0.5+ points out of 10 first, then specs where only one comes out ahead.

Full Specifications

General

Jabra Evolve2 BudsNothing Ear (a)
Best ForAll-day Microsoft Teams usersBudget buyers who want style and ANC
Fit TypeTrue wireless in-earTrue wireless in-ear (stem)
Release Year20222024 Better
Launch Price—$99
Case Weight52 g39.6 g Better
Water ResistanceIP57 BetterIP54 (earbuds)
ColorsBlackYellow, White, Black
Bud StyleStem-free—
Case Water Rating—IPX2
MaterialsGold-plated metal, mica paint, PC and PC/ABS plastic, silicone rubber—
Hi-Res Certified—Yes
Lossless Audio—Hi-Res (LDAC)
Hearing Health FeaturesPeakStop, EU Noise at Work, G616—
ANC Levels—High, mid, low, Adaptive
Microphone Setup4 MEMS microphones + 2 bone-conduction VPUs (MultiSensor Voice)Three per bud
Mic Frequency Response80 Hz – 8 kHz—
Charging PortUSB-CUSB-C
Charging Time2 h1.5 h Better
Case Battery—500 mAh
Bud Battery—46 mAh
Low-Latency Mode—Yes
Wireless Range20 m—
LE Audio / AuracastYes—
Google Fast Pair—Yes (Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair)
Microsoft Swift Pair—Yes
Paired Devices8—
Bluetooth ProfilesA2DP v1.3.2, AVRCP v1.6.2, HFP v1.7, HSP v1.2, SPP v1.2—
Single-Bud UseYes—
ControlsButtonsPinch
Companion AppJabra Sound+, Jabra Direct, Jabra XpressNothing X
Wear DetectionYes (auto-pause music)Yes
Voice AssistantAmazon Alexa (certifications also list MFi and Qi)—
Custom Controls—Yes
Find My / Locate—Find My Earbuds (Nothing X app)
In the BoxEarbuds, charging case, Jabra Link 380, ear tips, USB cableEarbuds, ear tips (S/M/L), charging case, USB-C cable, safety and warranty information, user guide
Warranty2 years—
Model NumberEvolve2 BudsEar (a)
OS CompatibilityWindows, macOS, iOS, AndroidAndroid, iOS
Works WithMicrosoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet—

Voice & Call Noise Isolation

Jabra Evolve2 Buds8.9/10 BetterNothing Ear (a)8.8/10
Mics per Bud—3
Microphones66
Bone-Conduction SensorYes—
Wind Noise ReductionYesYes
Call Noise ReductionMultiSensor Voice algorithmsClear Voice

ANC & Transparency

Jabra Evolve2 Buds8.2/10Nothing Ear (a)8.9/10 Better
Noise CancellingANCSmart ANC, up to 45 dB
Adaptive ANC—Yes
ANC Reduction—45 dB
Transparency ModeYes (HearThrough)Yes
Active Noise CancellingYesYes

Battery & Case Charging

Jabra Evolve2 Buds8.9/10 BetterNothing Ear (a)6.9/10
Call Time5 h Better4 h
Battery (Buds)8 h Better5.5 (ANC on), 9.5 (ANC off)
Battery (With Case)33 h Better24.5 (ANC on), 42.5 (ANC off)
Wireless ChargingYes (wireless kit versions) BetterNo
Fast ChargingYesYes
Battery (Buds, ANC Off)10 h Better9.5 h

Fit, Stability & Portability

Jabra Evolve2 Buds8.9/10Nothing Ear (a)9.2/10 Better
Bud Weight5.4 g4.8 g Better
Ear Tip SizesMultiple sizes (S/M/L)S, M, L
Dust/Water RatingIP57IP54
Case Dimensions75 x 38 x 28 mm47.6 x 63.3 x 22.7 mm

Connectivity & UC Integration

Jabra Evolve2 Buds9.6/10 BetterNothing Ear (a)7.0/10
USB DongleJabra Link 380 (USB-A or USB-C) BetterNo
MultipointYesYes
Bluetooth Version5.25.3 Better
CertificationsMicrosoft Teams (MS version), Zoom and Google Meet (UC version)—

Sound & Audio Quality

Jabra Evolve2 Buds7.4/10Nothing Ear (a)9.7/10 Better
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, SBCSBC, AAC, LDAC Better
Driver Size6 mm11 mm Better
Driver TypeDynamicDynamic (PMI and TPU diaphragm)
Custom EQYes (Jabra Sound+)Yes (Nothing X app)
Frequency Response20 Hz - 20 kHz (music mode)—

Takeaways

  • It's a tie on our rating (4.3/5) between Jabra Evolve2 Buds and Nothing Ear (a), so choose on the rows that matter most to you.
  • Choose Jabra Evolve2 Buds for all-day Microsoft Teams users.
  • Choose Nothing Ear (a) for budget buyers who want style and ANC.

Pros and Cons

Jabra Evolve2 Buds

PROS

  • MultiSensor Voice with bone conduction
  • ANC and HearThrough
  • IP57 dust and water resistance
  • USB Link adapter and multipoint

CONS

  • Shorter per-charge talk time than over-ear headsets
  • Fit varies by ear shape
  • Music codecs are basic versus consumer flagships

Nothing Ear (a)

PROS

  • Up to 45 dB ANC at a low price
  • LDAC support
  • Multipoint connection
  • Distinctive transparent design

CONS

  • No wireless charging
  • ANC battery life is modest
  • Case is bulky in pockets

Similar Comparisons

Quick Verdict

  • Jabra Evolve2 Buds 8.6Best overallLeads in Voice & Call Noise Isolation, Battery & Case Charging, Connectivity & UC Integration
  • Nothing Ear (a) 8.5Leads in ANC & Transparency, Fit, Stability & Portability, Sound & Audio Quality