Jabra Elite 4 Active vs Nothing Ear (1)
The Verdict
Jabra Elite 4 Active and Nothing Ear (1) occupy different performance tiers at similar price points. Jabra delivers superior battery longevity with 7 hours of ANC playback and 28 hours total, plus stronger water resistance (IP57 vs IPX4) making it better for active use and workouts. Nothing Ear (1) counters with a larger 11.6mm driver, wireless charging capability, and more refined ANC modes including Light and Maximum settings. Battery drops to 4 hours with ANC enabled on Nothing, a notable limitation for all-day listening. Build quality favors Jabra's ActiveGrip coating for secure fit during exercise. Audio character differs notably: Jabra emphasizes clarity for sports scenarios, while Nothing prioritizes larger dynamic range through its bigger driver. At $99, Nothing offers better value if you prioritize audio quality and wireless charging, but Jabra's $119 investment justifies itself through endurance and durability for active users. Choose Jabra for workouts and long commutes, Nothing for everyday listening and customization.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Jabra Elite 4 Active if…
- →ANC and IP57 at $119 is remarkable value for gym-goers
- →Secure fit with ActiveGrip coating stays put during intense workouts
- →7-hour battery with ANC matches more expensive earbuds
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
Jabra Elite 4 Active
Pros
- ANC and IP57 at $119 is remarkable value for gym-goers
- Secure fit with ActiveGrip coating stays put during intense workouts
- 7-hour battery with ANC matches more expensive earbuds
- Compact and lightweight at 5 g per earbud
- Google Fast Pair for instant Android setup
Cons
- No multipoint Bluetooth — connects to one device at a time
- No wireless charging on the case
- ANC is functional but not deep — best for light noise reduction
- Call quality drops in windy conditions
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 | Jabra Elite 4 Active | Nothing Ear (1) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 5 g (each) | 4.7 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7 hrs ANC on (28 hrs total with case) | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C (no wireless charging) | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 6mm dynamic driver | 11.6mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation, HearThrough mode, Secure ActiveGrip coating for workouts, Jabra Sound+ app, Google Fast Pair and Spotify Tap, IP57 dust and waterproof | 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 | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IP57 | 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 Jabra products or all Nothing products. View full details for the Jabra Elite 4 Active or the Nothing Ear (1).