Nothing Ear (1) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds+
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (1) delivers active noise cancellation with two customizable modes at an aggressive $99 price point, featuring an 11.6mm dynamic driver and 24-hour total battery life when ANC is disabled. Samsung Galaxy Buds+ compensates for lacking ANC with superior battery endurance, offering 11 hours per charge through a sophisticated two-way driver system designed by AKG that includes an 11mm woofer and 6.5mm tweeter. Sound quality favors Samsung's dual-driver approach for clarity and separation, while Nothing prioritizes noise isolation for commuters. Battery life heavily advantages Galaxy Buds+ at 22 hours total versus Nothing's 24 hours only achievable without ANC. Both support wireless charging and offer solid connectivity via Bluetooth 5.2 and 5.0 respectively. Nothing Ear (1) wins on price and ANC functionality, making it ideal for budget-conscious users prioritizing noise cancellation. Galaxy Buds+ suits those valuing longevity and audiophile-grade sound. For most buyers seeking the best overall value with essential modern features, Nothing Ear (1) edges ahead.
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+ if…
- →11-hour battery life per charge is outstanding for true wireless
- →Two-way speaker system produces rich, detailed audio
- →Three microphones per earbud deliver excellent call quality
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+
Pros
- 11-hour battery life per charge is outstanding for true wireless
- Two-way speaker system produces rich, detailed audio
- Three microphones per earbud deliver excellent call quality
- Wireless charging case at no extra premium
- Compact and comfortable for extended listening sessions
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- IPX2 rating barely covers light splashes
- Ambient Sound mode has noticeable white noise
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive and accidentally triggered
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (1) | Samsung Galaxy Buds+ |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.7 g (each) | 6.3 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) | 11 hrs (22 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C or Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 11.6mm dynamic driver | Two-way driver (11mm woofer + 6.5mm 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 | Two-way dynamic speakers by AKG, Ambient Sound mode, 3 microphones per bud, Qi wireless charging, Galaxy Wearable app with EQ and touchpad settings |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| 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+.