Nothing Ear (1) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
The Verdict
Both earbuds offer solid value at $99, featuring Bluetooth 5.2, ANC, and wireless charging. Nothing Ear (1) delivers slightly better noise cancellation with two distinct modes (Light and Maximum) and boasts a larger 11.6mm driver for potentially richer sound, though battery life trails at 4 hours with ANC enabled. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE counters with superior battery longevity, offering 6 hours with ANC on, dual-driver audio design with tweeter for clarity, and better ambient mode implementation. Galaxy Buds FE's water resistance rating of IPX2 versus Nothing's IPX4 is a notable weakness. For Samsung ecosystem users, the Scalable Codec integration adds appeal, while Nothing's gesture controls and customizable EQ suit Android users broadly. If battery endurance matters most, choose Samsung; for ANC performance and driver quality, Nothing pulls ahead. Galaxy Buds FE edges out slightly due to longer daily listening time without recharging.
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 Samsung Galaxy Buds FE if…
- →ANC earbuds for just $99 — best value in active noise cancellation
- →Wireless charging case is rare at this price
- →Dual-driver setup delivers detailed, balanced sound
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
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
Pros
- ANC earbuds for just $99 — best value in active noise cancellation
- Wireless charging case is rare at this price
- Dual-driver setup delivers detailed, balanced sound
- 360 Audio with head tracking for Galaxy phone users
- Compact and lightweight at 5.6 g per bud
Cons
- IPX2 water resistance is minimal — barely sweat-proof
- Best features locked to Samsung Galaxy devices
- No multipoint Bluetooth pairing
- ANC is good but not competitive with AirPods Pro or Sony
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (1) | Samsung Galaxy Buds FE |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.7 g (each) | 5.6 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 6 hrs (ANC on), 8.5 hrs (ANC off), 21 hrs with case |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) |
| Drivers | 11.6mm dynamic driver | 6.5 mm (woofer) + 5.4 mm (tweeter) |
| 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 | Active Noise Cancellation, Ambient mode, Samsung Scalable Codec for Galaxy devices, 360 Audio with head tracking, Touch controls, Wireless charging case |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | Samsung Scalable, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX2 |
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 Nothing products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Nothing Ear (1) or the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE.