Nothing Ear (1) vs Sennheiser HD 660S2
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (1) and Sennheiser HD 660S2 serve entirely different markets and use cases. Nothing Ear (1) offers true wireless convenience with active noise cancellation, 4.7g lightweight earbuds, and 24-hour total battery life via USB-C or Qi charging at an accessible $99 price point. Sound quality leans toward consumer-friendly tuning with customizable EQ through the app. Conversely, HD 660S2 represents high-fidelity audiophile territory, featuring 42mm drivers, 300-ohm impedance requiring dedicated amplification, handcrafted German engineering, and an open-back design for expansive soundstage. These headphones demand a wired connection and external equipment but reward with exceptional transparency and detail retrieval. For commuters and casual listeners, Nothing Ear (1) delivers exceptional value with modern features. For dedicated audiophiles prioritizing sound quality over portability and convenience, HD 660S2 justifies its $499 investment. Recommendation depends entirely on lifestyle: choose Nothing for everyday versatility, choose Sennheiser for studio-grade audio refinement.
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 660S2 if…
- →Reference-grade sound with improved bass over the original HD 660S
- →Both 6.35mm and 4.4mm balanced cables included in the box
- →Open-back design creates a wide, natural soundstage
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 660S2
Pros
- Reference-grade sound with improved bass over the original HD 660S
- Both 6.35mm and 4.4mm balanced cables included in the box
- Open-back design creates a wide, natural soundstage
- Lightweight at 260 g for an audiophile over-ear
- Replaceable parts make it a long-term investment
Cons
- 300-ohm impedance requires a dedicated amp/DAC to drive properly
- Wired only — no Bluetooth option
- Open-back leaks significant sound — not for shared spaces
- $499 is steep for headphones that need additional equipment
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nothing Ear (1) | Sennheiser HD 660S2 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 4.7 g (each) | 260 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 | 42mm dynamic transducer, 300 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 audiophile design, 300-ohm impedance for dedicated amp/DAC use, Balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn cable included, Replaceable ear pads and cables, Handmade in Germany |
| 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 660S2.