Nothing Ear (1) vs Nothing Ear (open)
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (1) delivers solid value with effective ANC and 11.6mm drivers in a lightweight 4.7g form factor, though battery life suffers with ANC enabled at just 4 hours per charge. Nothing Ear (open) takes a different approach, eschewing noise cancellation for an innovative open-ear design with larger 14.2mm titanium drivers and LDAC hi-res audio support, providing extended 8-hour battery life and multipoint connectivity. Sound quality differs fundamentally: the Ear (1) offers traditional sealed bass and isolation, while the Ear (open) prioritizes ambient awareness with directional audio. For commuters or those prioritizing ANC and isolation, Ear (1) excels at nearly half the price. However, those seeking hi-res audio, all-day battery, and environmental awareness will appreciate Ear (open)'s premium features. Choose Ear (1) for budget-conscious buyers needing noise cancellation; select Ear (open) if you value audio fidelity, battery endurance, and open-ear convenience.
Who Should Buy
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
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
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
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 | Nothing Ear (1) | Nothing Ear (open) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.7 g (each) | 8.1 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 8 hrs, 30 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C |
| Drivers | 11.6mm dynamic driver | 14.2 mm titanium-coated driver |
| Features | 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 | 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 | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | 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.
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