JBL Tune 770NC vs Nothing Ear (1)
The Verdict
JBL Tune 770NC and Nothing Ear (1) occupy different niches at the same $99 price point. JBL's over-ear design delivers exceptional battery life, 44 hours with ANC enabled and 70 hours without, plus multipoint Bluetooth connectivity for seamless device switching. Nothing Ear (1) offers true wireless freedom with 4-hour ANC playback per charge and IPX4 water resistance, though total battery is limited to 24 hours with case. Sound profiles differ significantly: JBL emphasizes bass with 40mm drivers suited for casual listening, while Nothing's 11.6mm dynamic drivers provide a more balanced signature. JBL wins for extended use cases and multimedia, but Nothing Ear (1) suits active lifestyles and portability. Choose JBL for all-day comfort and battery longevity; select Nothing for compactness and workout durability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the JBL Tune 770NC if…
- →70-hour battery without ANC is staggering for a $99 headphone
- →ANC at $99 makes this the cheapest decent noise-cancelling option
- →Multipoint Bluetooth included — rare at this 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
JBL Tune 770NC
Pros
- 70-hour battery without ANC is staggering for a $99 headphone
- ANC at $99 makes this the cheapest decent noise-cancelling option
- Multipoint Bluetooth included — rare at this price
- Lightweight at 226 g — comfortable for extended sessions
- JBL Pure Bass profile is fun and engaging
Cons
- ANC is basic — blocks low rumble but misses mid and high frequencies
- No LDAC or aptX — limited to AAC and SBC
- Plasticky build matches the budget price
- Sound quality is acceptable but not detailed or refined
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 | JBL Tune 770NC | Nothing Ear (1) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 226 g | 4.7 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 44 hrs (ANC on), 70 hrs (ANC off) | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, 5-min quick charge for 3 hrs | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 40 mm | 11.6mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Ambient Aware mode, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Smart Ambient with TalkThru, JBL Headphones app with EQ | 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 | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 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 JBL products or all Nothing products. View full details for the JBL Tune 770NC or the Nothing Ear (1).