Nothing Ear 2 VS FiiO FD15
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Nothing Ear 2 and FiiO FD15 are 1DD in-ear monitors. Nothing Ear 2 costs $150 while FiiO FD15 costs $150. Nothing Ear 2 is $0 more expensive. FiiO FD15 holds a decisive 1.2-point edge in reviewer scores (6 vs 7.2).
Insights
| Metric | Nothing Ear 2 | FiiO FD15 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 6 | 7.3 |
| Mids | 6 | 7.1 |
| Treble | 6 | 6.1 |
| Details | 6 | 6.3 |
| Soundstage | 6 | 6.6 |
| Imaging | 6 | 6.9 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 7.3 |
| Tonality | 1 | 6.9 |
| Technicalities | 3 | 6.4 |
Nothing Ear 2 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6Mixed to Positive
FiiO FD15 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.2Generally Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Nothing Ear 2 reviewed by Z-Reviews
8
* score rescaled + normalized
FiiO FD15 reviewed by Z-Reviews
8.5
* score rescaled + normalized
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Nothing Ear 2 (more reviews)
Nothing Ear 2 reviewed by Super* Review
8*
* score rescaled + normalized
Nothing Ear 2 reviewed by Precogvision
2
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
FiiO FD15 (more reviews)
FiiO FD15 reviewed by Paul Wasabii
6.8
* Score computed by IEMRanking.com
Youtube Video Summary
Solid accessories and build set the tone: a weighty metal shell, a high-quality modular screw cable, and the playful “LEGO” drawer case. The 13.8 mm magnalium-dome driver with DLC suspension is paired with a tuning that focuses on balance and control, and at around $149 the package hits a sweet spot for value without obvious compromises.
The signature is mid-centric with a gentle bass arc and lowered ear gain, revealing the midrange rather than forcing it. Bass has real fullness and control without masking vocals, while treble stays smooth and natural with extension that avoids glare. This presentation benefits from a more resolving source and a bit of volume; warm or soft sources can blunt the intended clarity and nuance.
Technical performance is appropriately strong for the price: clean contrast, separation and layering, with staging that offers good width, height and credible depth. Resolution does not chase the best $200-class single-DDs, but the overall tuning cohesion plus accessories make this an easy recommendation for listeners prioritizing natural mids and long-term comfort over showy treble sparkle.
Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel
FiiO FD15 reviewed by Audio-In Reviews
5.7
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Fiio FD15 is presented as a neutral warm single dynamic driver IEM with a strong accessory pack, modular cable and a solid metal shell that feels robust yet remains comfortable for long sessions. Bass sits on the higher side of neutral but stays clean and controlled, with a smooth transition into the mids and no noticeable bleed, giving the low end a punchy, dynamic character that stands out as one of the best aspects of the set. The slight warmth in the lower mids and the generally relaxed midrange presentation help keep the overall tonality easygoing and free from shout.
Beyond the bass, the tuning becomes more hit and miss. Upper mids are shaped by ear gain that starts early around 2 kHz, followed by a loss of energy through the 3–5 kHz region, which can make vocals and instruments sound a bit veiled and not entirely natural, even though the midrange energy itself balances reasonably well against the bass. Treble carries a fair amount of upper extension, so the set does not really come across as dark, but cymbal strikes and snare attacks can turn splashy and a little peaky depending on the recording, adding to that sense of unnaturalness, especially for listeners who focus on percussion.
Technical performance is generally just okay for the price. Staging is on the intimate side with decent left to right width but less breadth and depth than some key competitors, and detail retrieval feels more in line with well tuned one hundred dollar sets such as Explorer or Aria 2 rather than a strong one hundred fifty dollar contender. While the FD15 offers enjoyable bass, a pleasantly relaxed midrange and a comfortable fit, its overall resolution and the way it renders vocals and instruments leave room for improvement, especially when several less expensive models like Explorer, Magic 1, Aria 2 and EA500 can match or surpass its sound performance.
Audio-In Reviews original ranking
Audio-In Reviews Youtube ChannelFiiO FD15 reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8
* score rescaled + normalized
FiiO FD15 reviewed by Web Search
6.8
Reviewer Score
The FiiO FD15 is a single 13.8 mm magnalium DLC dynamic driver IEM with a 32 Ω impedance and 112 dB sensitivity, housed in a rigid 316L stainless-steel shell and paired with a hybrid Furukawa copper/silver cable and swappable 3.5 mm / 4.4 mm plugs. The large driver uses FiiO’s “Tesla Valve” low-frequency acoustic loading and a W-shaped DLC suspension to increase the effective radiating area and control breakup, aiming for higher bass output without excessive distortion. Accessory provision is generous for this price: multiple tip types, interchangeable sound nozzles and a robust case give the FD15 a distinctly feature-rich package in the lower mid-fi bracket.
Tonally, the FD15 follows a warm-neutral, mid-centric tuning with elevated mid-bass, slightly rolled sub-bass and forward upper mids that emphasize vocals and acoustic instruments. Bass is textured and punchy rather than ultra-deep, giving recordings a warm foundation without turning boomy, while the midrange shows notably natural timbre and dense vocal presence for a single dynamic driver. Treble is generally smooth and mildly dark-tilted with some energy around 7 kHz, providing adequate detail and air but stopping short of a bright or highly analytical presentation, especially when using the more relaxed nozzle filter options.
Technical performance is strong for a ~$150 single dynamic: the FD15 offers a medium-wide, realistic soundstage with coherent imaging and good macrodynamics, though complex passages at very high volume can compress and blur separation. Resolution and detail retrieval are competitive in this segment but do not reach the incisiveness of multi-driver or higher-priced designs, aligning the FD15 more with a musical, cohesive presentation than a forensic monitor. Considering its tuning flexibility, build quality and vocal-focused, fatigue-light signature at an MSRP around $150, the FD15 represents good value for listeners prioritizing natural timbre and midrange presence over extreme sub-bass depth or ultra-sparkling treble.
Nothing Ear 2 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Price (Msrp): $150
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FiiO FD15 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: Warm-neutral, mid-centric
Brand: FiiO Top FiiO IEMs
Price (Msrp): $149.99
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Nothing Ear 2 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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FiiO FD15 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Nothing Ear 2 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
2.4Gaming Grade
E+FiiO FD15 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.2Gaming Grade
A-Nothing Ear 2 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
E-- The tonal profile is unruly and tiring, forcing constant volume adjustments. Even spoken word sounds unnatural.
Average Technical Grade
D- Textural information blurs together, making the stage feel pinched and gray. Instrument edges blur together frequently.
FiiO FD15 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B+- Tonality is generally agreeable, though a few bumps remind you of its limits. Certain tracks spotlight its tonal quirks.
Average Technical Grade
B- An honest, middle-of-the-road performance preserves structure without chasing micro-detail. It's respectable for everyday listening sessions.
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