Beats Flex vs Nothing Ear (1)
The Verdict
Beats Flex and Nothing Ear (1) serve different listener priorities at similar price points. Beats Flex excels with its neckband design offering 12-hour battery life and Apple W1 integration for seamless ecosystem connectivity, making it ideal for Apple users seeking all-day comfort without ANC complexity. Nothing Ear (1) counters with true wireless freedom, active noise cancellation with dual modes, IPX4 water resistance, and superior Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity at the cost of shorter 4-hour ANC battery life. Sound quality favors Nothing's transparent design philosophy and app-based EQ tuning over Beats' more bass-forward signature. For gym sessions or travel, Nothing's compact design wins; for office workers and Apple loyalists valuing simplicity and marathon battery endurance, Beats Flex delivers better value. Choose Nothing Ear (1) if you prioritize ANC and true wireless convenience; choose Beats Flex for legendary battery life and hassle-free Apple integration.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Flex if…
- →Outstanding value at $69 with Apple W1 chip
- →Magnetic earbuds auto-pause music when joined together
- →12-hour battery life is generous for the price
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
Beats Flex
Pros
- Outstanding value at $69 with Apple W1 chip
- Magnetic earbuds auto-pause music when joined together
- 12-hour battery life is generous for the price
- USB-C charging — no Lightning cable needed
- Works well with both iOS and Android devices
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Neckband design isn't for everyone — less discreet than true wireless
- No water resistance rating
- Sound quality is adequate but not detailed
- Bluetooth 4.2 is dated
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 | Beats Flex | Nothing Ear (1) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 18.6 g | 4.7 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 12 hrs | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, 10 min = 1.5 hrs (Fast Fuel) | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 12mm dual-chamber driver | 11.6mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Apple W1 chip, Magnetic earbuds auto-pause when connected, USB-C charging, Neckband design with Flex-Form cable, Shared audio with other Beats or AirPods | 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 | SBC, AAC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 (Apple W1 chip) | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
Related Comparisons
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 Beats products or all Nothing products. View full details for the Beats Flex or the Nothing Ear (1).