Bose Ultra Open Earbuds vs Nothing Ear (1)
The Verdict
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and Nothing Ear (1) target different use cases entirely. Bose prioritizes ambient awareness with its cuff-style open design, Immersive Audio with head tracking, and directional sound technology, making them ideal for users who want audio without isolation. Battery life reaches 7.5 hours per charge with 19.5 hours total via case, supported by multipoint Bluetooth pairing and wireless charging. Nothing Ear (1) delivers traditional sealed in-ear design with active noise cancellation in two modes, transparency mode, and custom EQ tuning. However, single-charge battery drops to 4 hours with ANC enabled, lacks multipoint connectivity, and uses older Bluetooth 5.2. For open-ear preference and longer endurance, Bose wins decisively. For ANC capability and budget consciousness at one-third the price, Nothing offers exceptional value. Choose Bose for lifestyle audio and multidevice workflow; choose Nothing for noise isolation on a tight budget.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds if…
- →Unique cuff design is extremely comfortable for all-day wear
- →Bose OpenAudio delivers remarkably full sound for open earbuds
- →Wireless charging case adds convenience
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
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Pros
- Unique cuff design is extremely comfortable for all-day wear
- Bose OpenAudio delivers remarkably full sound for open earbuds
- Wireless charging case adds convenience
- Multipoint and aptX Adaptive for high-quality streaming
- Ideal for situational awareness during outdoor activities
Cons
- Very expensive at $299 for earbuds without ANC
- Bass is inherently limited compared to sealed designs
- 7.5-hour battery is decent but not exceptional
- Sound leak is noticeable in quiet environments
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 | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | Nothing Ear (1) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 6.5 g (each) | 4.7 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7.5 hrs, 19.5 hrs total with case | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | Bose OpenAudio technology | 11.6mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Cuff-style design clips onto the ear, Bose Immersive Audio with head tracking, OpenAudio directional sound technology, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Wireless charging case, Customizable EQ via Bose Music app | 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 | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | 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 Bose products or all Nothing products. View full details for the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds or the Nothing Ear (1).