Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Nothing Ear (3): which earbuds should you buy?
quilkitdeals-20. Specs come from the brands' listings and published reviews; prices are ~approximate USD — confirm on Amazon. No invented Buy Box claims or review scores. Full disclosure.
Searching Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Nothing Ear 3 usually means you want strong noise cancelling and LDAC, and you're deciding between Sony's former flagship and Nothing's cheaper, design-led pair. The short version: Sony wins on noise cancelling and battery; Nothing wins on price, weight and dust/water resistance.
Quick verdict
- Buy Sony WF-1000XM5 if you commute on loud trains, fly often or work in a noisy office and want the longest runtime with ANC on.
- Buy Nothing Ear (3) if you want LDAC on Android for less money, lighter IP54 buds for the gym, and that transparent look.
Best noise cancelling
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony rates up to 8h per charge with ANC on and 24h total with the case. Reviewers rank its ANC among the best in earbuds for subways and planes. LDAC, multipoint and wireless charging; IPX4 sweat resistance.
~$278 USDApproximate; confirm on Amazon
Shop Sony on Amazon →
Best value & design
Nothing Ear (3)
Nothing rates 5.5h per charge with ANC on (10h off) and 22h total with ANC (38h off). Hybrid ANC claimed up to 45 dB, LDAC, Bluetooth 5.4, IP54 buds at about 5.2 g each, and a Super Mic built into the case. Launched at $179; Nothing's US store now lists it lower.
~$149 USDApproximate; confirm on Amazon
Shop Nothing on Amazon →Specs side by side
| Spec | Sony WF-1000XM5 | Nothing Ear (3) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery, ANC on (buds) | Up to 8h | Up to 5.5h |
| Total with case, ANC on | Up to 24h | Up to 22h |
| Hi-Res codec | LDAC | LDAC |
| Water / dust rating | IPX4 | IP54 |
| Bud weight | ~5.9 g | ~5.2 g |
| Standout extra | Class-leading ANC, LE Audio support | Super Mic in the case, transparent design |
| Approx Amazon price | ~$278 | ~$149 |
Battery figures are brand claims; LDAC cuts runtime on both. Nothing lists about 3.5h with ANC on while using LDAC.
Noise cancelling: Sony leads
Sony's ANC is the main reason to pay more. SoundGuys measured over 30 dB of low-frequency reduction on the WF-1000XM5 and calls it a great companion for commuters and frequent flyers. Nothing Ear (3) is a real step up over earlier Nothing buds, but the same reviewers saw the ANC struggle with even light wind while walking. If your day is trains, planes or an open office, pick Sony. For more options, see our commuting earbuds and travel earbuds guides.
Battery: Sony lasts longer per charge
Eight hours versus five and a half matters on long-haul flights or full workdays. Total runtime with the case is close (24h vs 22h with ANC on), so for short daily commutes the gap is smaller than it looks.
Android, LDAC and calls
Both support LDAC on compatible Android phones; on iPhone, both fall back to AAC. Nothing Ear (3) adds a Super Mic in the case for voice memos and calls in loud places, though reviews say it's still maturing. Sony's buds-only mics are a proven daily-call setup. Compare more call picks in our earbuds for calls guide and the Android earbuds guide.
Gym, fit and design
Nothing Ear (3) buds are lighter and rated IP54, so they handle sweat and dust a little better than Sony's IPX4. Fit is personal: Sony uses foam tips that seal well, while Nothing uses silicone tips on a stem design. If you mostly train, also look at the wingtip picks in our gym earbuds guide.
Cheaper alternatives
If both feel expensive, Soundcore Liberty 4 NC (~$79.99, approx) also has LDAC and adaptive ANC — compare it with Space A40 in our Liberty 4 NC vs Space A40 guide, or see all budget picks in ANC earbuds under $100. Weighing Sony against Bose instead? Read Bose QC Ultra vs Sony WF-1000XM5.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sony WF-1000XM5 better than Nothing Ear (3)?
For noise cancelling and battery, yes. Sony rates the WF-1000XM5 at up to 8 hours with ANC on (24 hours with the case) versus 5.5 hours (22 hours with the case) for Nothing Ear (3), and independent reviewers rank Sony's ANC among the best in earbuds. Nothing Ear (3) wins on price, IP54 dust and water resistance, lighter buds and its transparent design.
Which has better noise cancelling, Sony WF-1000XM5 or Nothing Ear (3)?
Sony WF-1000XM5. Nothing claims up to 45 dB of noise cancelling for Ear (3), and SoundGuys measured a solid improvement over earlier Nothing models, but also noted the ANC struggled with wind while walking. Sony is the safer pick for flights, trains and loud offices.
Do both support LDAC and multipoint?
Both support LDAC Hi-Res audio on compatible Android phones, and both list dual-device connection. On iPhone, both play over AAC instead of LDAC. Using LDAC shortens battery life on both pairs.
Which is better for the gym or rain?
Nothing Ear (3), on paper. Its buds are rated IP54 for dust and water, while Sony WF-1000XM5 is rated IPX4 for splashes and sweat. Ear (3) buds are also lighter at about 5.2 g each.
Is there a newer Sony model?
Yes. Sony has released the WF-1000XM6 (launch price $329.99). The WF-1000XM5 is still widely sold and often costs less, so compare the live prices on Amazon before you buy.
Where can I shop these?
Both picks link to Amazon.com with our Associates tag. Browse more in the Quilkit Shop or Global Deals.