JBL Tune 770NC vs Nothing Ear (open)
The Verdict
JBL Tune 770NC and Nothing Ear (open) serve distinctly different use cases. JBL's over-ear design delivers substantial 44-hour battery life with ANC enabled, traditional noise cancellation via 40mm drivers, and exceptional value at $99. Nothing Ear (open) prioritizes lifestyle versatility with an innovative open-ear form factor, IP54 water resistance, and LDAC hi-res audio support, though its 8-hour single-charge battery and lack of ANC limit extended listening. Sound signature differs fundamentally: JBL emphasizes immersive bass with isolation, while Nothing prioritizes ambient awareness and directional audio suitable for active users. Battery longevity heavily favors JBL (44+ hours vs. 8 hours), making it ideal for travel and daily commutes. Nothing's open design and premium build justify its $50 premium for users prioritizing comfort during exercise and social interaction. Choose JBL for traditional performance and value; select Nothing for open-ear lifestyle flexibility and hi-res audio enthusiasts.
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 (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 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 (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 Tune 770NC | Nothing Ear (open) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 226 g | 8.1 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 44 hrs (ANC on), 70 hrs (ANC off) | 8 hrs, 30 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, 5-min quick charge for 3 hrs | USB-C |
| Drivers | 40 mm | 14.2 mm titanium-coated driver |
| Features | Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Ambient Aware mode, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Smart Ambient with TalkThru, JBL Headphones app with EQ | 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 | 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 Tune 770NC or the Nothing Ear (open).