Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Nothing Ear (1)
The Verdict
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x delivers professional-grade sound with a flat, neutral frequency response ideal for audio monitoring and mixing tasks. Nothing Ear (1) offers modern wireless convenience with active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and IPX4 water resistance in a compact in-ear design. Sound quality favors the M40x for critical listening due to its 40mm drivers and renowned accuracy, though the Nothing's 11.6mm drivers perform admirably for consumer use. Battery life heavily advantages the Nothing with up to 24 hours combined with the charging case, whereas the M40x requires no charging as a wired headphone. The M40x excels in durability and portability through its foldable design and included cables, while the Nothing provides modern features like ANC, touch controls, and wireless freedom. For studio professionals and mixing engineers, the ATH-M40x remains the superior choice. Casual listeners seeking wireless mobility and ANC should choose the Nothing Ear (1).
Who Should Buy
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x if…
- →Flatter, more neutral tuning than the M50x — preferred by some engineers
- →Excellent value at $99 for professional-grade monitoring
- →Lightweight at 240 g for comfortable extended mixing sessions
Buy the Nothing Ear (1) if…
- →Iconic transparent design with unique aesthetic
- →ANC and wireless charging at just $99 is outstanding value
- →Comfortable and lightweight at 4.7 g per earbud
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Pros
- Flatter, more neutral tuning than the M50x — preferred by some engineers
- Excellent value at $99 for professional-grade monitoring
- Lightweight at 240 g for comfortable extended mixing sessions
- Foldable and portable with detachable cables
- Reliable build quality trusted by studios globally
Cons
- Wired only — no wireless option
- Bass response is intentionally restrained — not for bass lovers
- Ear pads are thin and may need replacement for comfort
- Plastic build feels less premium than metal competitors
- No carrying case included
Nothing Ear (1)
Pros
- Iconic transparent design with unique aesthetic
- ANC and wireless charging at just $99 is outstanding value
- Comfortable and lightweight at 4.7 g per earbud
- Squeeze gesture controls are intuitive and precise
- Qi wireless charging case adds convenience
Cons
- 4-hour ANC battery life is quite short
- No multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
- ANC is mild — doesn't match premium competitors
- Limited codec support — AAC and SBC only
- Transparent case shows dust and scratches easily
Full Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M40x | Nothing Ear (1) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 240 g | 4.7 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (wired) | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) |
| Charging | N/A | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 40mm large-aperture dynamic driver | 11.6mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Flat, neutral frequency response for accurate monitoring, 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire, 90-degree swiveling ear cups, 2 detachable cables included, Foldable for portability, Circumaural design | Active Noise Cancellation with two modes (Light and Maximum), Transparency Mode, In-ear detection for auto play/pause, Nothing app with EQ customization, Squeeze gesture controls on stems |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | |
| Bluetooth | None (wired only) | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Audio-Technica products or all Nothing products. View full details for the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x or the Nothing Ear (1).