Nothing Ear (1) vs Sennheiser HD 560S
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (1) and Sennheiser HD 560S serve fundamentally different use cases. Nothing's buds offer active noise cancellation with dual modes, 24-hour total battery life with case, and wireless convenience at $99, making them ideal for commuting and mobile use. Sennheiser's wired over-ears deliver reference-quality sound with 38mm drivers, 120-ohm impedance, and open-back acoustics targeting audiophiles and studio work. Sound signature differs dramatically: Nothing prioritizes portability with ANC versatility, while Sennheiser emphasizes neutrality and detail for critical listening. Battery life heavily favors Nothing for everyday portability, though Sennheiser eliminates charging altogether. At $99 versus $199, Nothing represents exceptional value for wireless convenience; Sennheiser justifies its price through audio fidelity for stationary listening. Choose Nothing for active lifestyles requiring mobility and noise blocking, or Sennheiser for home listening and professional applications demanding wired reliability and neutral frequency response.
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 Sennheiser HD 560S if…
- →Audiophile-grade clarity and neutral sound at an accessible price
- →120-ohm impedance works with most phones and laptops without an amp
- →Incredibly wide soundstage for gaming, mixing, and critical listening
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
Sennheiser HD 560S
Pros
- Audiophile-grade clarity and neutral sound at an accessible price
- 120-ohm impedance works with most phones and laptops without an amp
- Incredibly wide soundstage for gaming, mixing, and critical listening
- Lightweight and comfortable for marathon listening sessions
- Excellent value as an entry into open-back audiophile headphones
Cons
- Open-back design leaks sound heavily — no isolation
- Wired only — no wireless option
- Bass can sound lean for casual listeners who prefer warmth
- Plastic build feels less premium than metal-bodied competitors
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (1) | Sennheiser HD 560S |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.7 g (each) | 240 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) | N/A (wired) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | N/A |
| Drivers | 11.6mm dynamic driver | 38mm dynamic transducer, 120 ohm impedance |
| 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-back reference design, 120-ohm impedance — can be driven by most sources, Detachable cable, Velour ear pads for comfort, Wide frequency response (6 Hz – 38,000 Hz) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | None (wired only) |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | None |
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 Sennheiser products. View full details for the Nothing Ear (1) or the Sennheiser HD 560S.