JBL Live 770NC vs Nothing Ear (open)
The Verdict
JBL Live 770NC offers substantial advantages for traditional headphone users with its powerful 50-hour ANC battery life, 40mm drivers delivering rich bass, and adaptive noise cancellation with Smart Ambient mode. Nothing Ear (open) takes a completely different approach with its innovative open-ear design, LDAC hi-res audio support, and lightweight titanium drivers ideal for ambient awareness and all-day comfort. JBL excels in immersive sound and noise isolation for commutes and focused listening, while Nothing prioritizes social interaction and environmental awareness at a lower price point. Choose JBL Live 770NC if you want premium ANC performance and extended battery life for travel; select Nothing Ear (open) if you prefer an ultralight, open-back option that keeps you connected to your surroundings while costing $50 less.
Who Should Buy
Buy the JBL Live 770NC if…
- →Extraordinary 65-hour battery life (ANC off) leaves all rivals behind
- →Bluetooth multipoint for two-device pairing at $199
- →Bluetooth LE Audio and LC3 codec future-proofs the headphones
Buy the Nothing Ear (open) if…
- →Open-ear design lets you hear your surroundings while enjoying music
- →LDAC and multipoint at $149 is excellent value
- →8-hour battery per charge is generous for open earbuds
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
JBL Live 770NC
Pros
- Extraordinary 65-hour battery life (ANC off) leaves all rivals behind
- Bluetooth multipoint for two-device pairing at $199
- Bluetooth LE Audio and LC3 codec future-proofs the headphones
- Strong bass-forward JBL sound signature for casual listening
- Comfortable foldable design with good padding
Cons
- ANC is decent but not on par with Sony or Bose
- Bass-heavy tuning may not suit balanced or audiophile listeners
- No aptX HD or LDAC for hi-res wireless audio
- Build quality feels plasticky for the price
Nothing Ear (open)
Pros
- Open-ear design lets you hear your surroundings while enjoying music
- LDAC and multipoint at $149 is excellent value
- 8-hour battery per charge is generous for open earbuds
- Directional drivers minimize sound leak to bystanders
- IP54 dust and water resistance for outdoor use
Cons
- No noise cancellation by design — not for noisy environments
- Bass is inherently weaker than sealed in-ear designs
- 8.1 g per bud is heavier than traditional earbuds
- Open design means music is audible to nearby people
Full Specifications
| Spec | JBL Live 770NC | Nothing Ear (open) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 268 g | 8.1 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 65 hrs (ANC off), 50 hrs (ANC on) | 8 hrs, 30 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 4 hrs playback | USB-C |
| Drivers | 40 mm | 14.2 mm titanium-coated driver |
| Features | Adaptive ANC with Smart Ambient, JBL Spatial Sound, Multipoint Bluetooth for two devices, Bluetooth LE Audio with LC3 codec, Voice assistant built-in (Alexa, Google, Siri), Foldable design for travel | Open-ear design for ambient awareness, Directional audio minimizes sound leakage, LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Bass Enhance and custom EQ, Nothing X app with equalizer |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | LC3, AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IP54 |
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 JBL products or all Nothing products. View full details for the JBL Live 770NC or the Nothing Ear (open).