Nothing Ear (open) vs Sennheiser HD 560S
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (open) and Sennheiser HD 560S serve fundamentally different use cases, making direct comparison challenging. The Nothing Ear (open) offers true wireless convenience with 8.5 hours per charge plus 22 additional hours via case, LDAC hi-res audio support, and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity in a lightweight 8.1g package. Its open-ear design prioritizes ambient awareness, though this sacrifices isolation. The HD 560S, conversely, is a wired reference-grade over-ear headphone weighing 240g with a 38mm dynamic driver, 120-ohm impedance, and exceptional frequency response spanning 6Hz to 38kHz. It requires no battery and delivers studio-quality sound for stationary listening. The Nothing excels for active use and portability, while the Sennheiser targets audio professionals and critical listeners willing to accept a cable. Budget heavily influences this decision: at $149, the Nothing provides solid wireless performance with modern conveniences, whereas the $199 HD 560S costs more but demands a stationary setup. Choose the Nothing for versatile everyday wireless use or the Sennheiser if you prioritize reference-grade audio and don't mind staying plugged in.
Who Should Buy
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
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 (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
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 (open) | Sennheiser HD 560S |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 8.1 g (each) | 240 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 8 hrs, 30 hrs total with case | N/A (wired) |
| Charging | USB-C | N/A |
| Drivers | 14.2 mm titanium-coated driver | 38mm dynamic transducer, 120 ohm impedance |
| Features | 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 | 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 | LDAC, AAC, SBC | |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | None (wired only) |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IP54 | None |
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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 (open) or the Sennheiser HD 560S.