In a market flooded with wireless earbuds, the Nothing Ear (1) headphones stand out not just for their performance, but for their bold, transparent design and fresh approach to technology. Created by Nothing, a tech startup founded by Carl Pei (co-founder of OnePlus), the Ear (1) headphones aim to deliver premium features at a reasonable price and they do so with style.
Launched with a mission to remove barriers between people and technology, the Ear (1) combines innovation with minimalism. They promise a lightweight and comfortable fit, up to 34 hours of total playback with the case, and an experience that rivals much more expensive options. But are they truly worth the hype? How do they perform in real-world conditions from sound quality to battery life to comfort.
First Impressions – A Transparent Masterpiece
Unboxing the Nothing Ear (1) instantly signals the brand’s differentiated intent. Its transparent shell exposes internal hardware, visually separating these earbuds from generic competitors.
The case is compact, magnetically sealed, and pocketable. The lightweight earbuds maintain comfort even during extended listening, aligning with ergonomic best practices.
Sound Quality – Surprisingly Impressive
Next, let’s talk sound: the Nothing Ear (1) punches above its weight.
- Bass: Deep and satisfying, without overpowering.
- Mids and Highs: Clean vocals and sharp details.
- Balance: Tuned for modern genres pop, EDM, podcasts with accurate frequency distribution.
While audiophiles may want more precision, for most, clarity and punch here impress at this price.
Sound Rating: 8.5/10
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) – Solid, But Not the Best
Moving on, ANC in Ear (1) is decent. It blocks most background noises like fans, engines, and chatter, though it may struggle in loud places.
There are two modes:
- Light Mode: For mild noise.
- Maximum Mode: For busier areas.
It won’t rival top ANC headphones, but serves well for daily use.
Call Quality – Clear Enough for Most
Next, the three-mic system captures your voice and reduces background noise, making calls clear for most situations. In wind or crowds, though, performance dips a bit.
Call Quality Rating: 7/10
Battery Life – Competitive and Convenient
- Playback Time: Around 4 hours with ANC, up to 5.7 hours without it.
- Case Charge: Total of 34 hours with the charging case.
- Fast Charging: 10 minutes gives you about 1.2 hours of play.
- Wireless Charging: Yes, it supports Qi charging.
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App & Features – Simple and Functional
The Nothing X app gives you:
- Custom EQ settings
- ANC controls
- Firmware updates
- “Find My Earbud” feature
The app is clean, minimalist, and works smoothly on Android and iOS.
Are They Worth It?
For the price (around $99), the Nothing Ear (1) offers:
- Unique design
- Impressive sound
- Decent ANC
- Wireless charging
- Comfortable fit
These earbuds suit anyone seeking style, value, and quality in one.
Pros
- Eye-catching transparent design
- Great sound for the price
- Lightweight and comfy
- Wireless + fast charging
- Competitive features for budget buyers
Cons
- ANC isn’t class-leading
- Call quality can vary in noisy areas
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a mobile app for customization?
Yes! The Nothing X app (available on Android and iOS) lets you control ANC, adjust EQ settings, update firmware, and locate lost earbuds.
Are the earbuds comfortable for long use?
Absolutely. The earbuds are lightweight (just 4.7g each) and designed to fit securely in most ears, making them comfy for long listening sessions.
Do they work with iPhones and Android phones?
The Nothing Ear (1) supports both iOS and Android via Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring low-latency, reliable connectivity.
How is the call quality on Nothing Ear (1)?
Call performance remains clear in standard environments. The triple-mic setup manages background noise well, but signal integrity may drop under heavy ambient interference.
What’s unique about the design?
The transparent build shows internal parts, giving it a futuristic, standout look.
Conclusion
The Nothing Ear (1) combines forward-thinking design, competitive acoustics, effective noise suppression, and a robust feature set all at an accessible price. While not on par with premium-tier models in every aspect, it offers strong value for tech-savvy consumers seeking reliable daily drivers without premium pricing.
