Nothing first released the Nothing Ear 1, then the Nothing Ear 2, so one might expect the next in line to be the Nothing Year 3, well, tadaa it’s the Nothing Ear? Nothing’s latest $149 Ear noise-canceling earbuds appear unchanged at first glance.
In fact, one might mistake them for a step back, considering they follow the Ear 2 model without a numerical increment in their name. Leaving the naming puzzle aside, let’s dive into this review of the Nothing Ear to see if these earbuds mark a significant upgrade over their predecessors.
Let’s dive into this comprehensive review and uncover what makes the Nothing Ear stand out in a crowded market.
At a Glance: Nothing Ear Specifications
- Weight: 4.6g per earbud
- Bluetooth Version: 5.3
- Supported Codecs: AAC, SBC, LHDC 5.0, LDAC
- Driver Size: 11mm with ceramic diaphragm
- Water Resistance: IP54 (earbuds), IP55 (case)
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours (earbuds), 36 hours total with case (ANC off)
- Charging: USB-C, Qi wireless charging
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes, with Smart ANC and Adaptive modes
- Special Features: Personalized sound profiles, Dual-chamber design with extra vents, Pressure-sensitive touch controls
- Price: $149
Familiar Yet Refined: The Design That Turns Heads
Nothing has maintained its signature aesthetic with the Ear, sticking to a form factor that has won hearts in previous generations. Weighing a mere 4.6 grams per earbud, they promise comfort for extended listening sessions.
The charging case remains compact and portable, featuring the brand’s iconic transparent look that never fails to catch the eye. However, be warned: the black option tends to be a magnet for fingerprints, so keep that microfiber cloth handy!
For the adventurous listeners out there, you’ll be pleased to know that both the earbuds (IP54) and the charging case (IP55) boast impressive dust and water resistance ratings. Whether you’re hitting the beach or braving a rainy commute, these earbuds are ready to accompany you without breaking a sweat.
Intuitive Control at Your Fingertips
Each earbud stem features a pressure-sensitive panel for controls, a design choice that proves to be more user-friendly than traditional tap controls. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the squeeze points, managing your audio becomes second nature.
The Nothing X app allows for control customization, but the default settings are straightforward and identical for both earbuds, making the learning curve gentle for new users.
Cutting-Edge Connectivity
The Nothing Ear isn’t just about looks; it’s packed with advanced technology under the hood. Utilizing Bluetooth 5.3, these earbuds are ready for future audio innovations like Auracast. They support an impressive array of high-quality Bluetooth codecs, including LHDC 5.0 and LDAC, offering audiophiles the potential for studio-quality wireless streaming.
LHDC 5.0 takes the crown for streaming quality, pushing up to 1Mbps at 24-bit/192kHz, while LDAC follows closely behind with up to 990kbps at 24-bit/96kHz. However, it’s worth noting that iPhone users and many Android users will primarily connect via AAC or SBC, potentially missing out on these advanced codec features.
Sound Quality
Nothing has made significant strides in improving sound quality with the Ear. The earbuds feature 11mm drivers with a rigid ceramic diaphragm, designed to minimize distortion and deliver clearer audio. Building upon the dual-chamber design of the Ear 2, the latest model introduces two additional vents for enhanced airflow within each earbud. The result? Reduced distortion and richer clarity that’s music to your ears.
When compared to its slightly less premium sibling, the Ear (a), both models utilize 11mm drivers and extra vents. However, the flagship Ear edges ahead with marginally cleaner and more accurate sound, alongside a distinct tonal balance.
Our tests, conducted with an iPhone 15 Pro, revealed an appealing sound quality that’s further enhanced by the Nothing app’s customization options. Users can fine-tune their audio experience through an equalizer, personalized profiles based on hearing tests, and a “bass enhance” feature for those who crave extra low-end punch.
Audio Performance
The Nothing Ear delivers a bold and expansive soundstage with impressive depth. In a head-to-head comparison with the AirPods Pro 2, the Ear offers a warmer sound profile with more prominent, albeit slightly less defined, bass. Vocals tend to be more forward and natural on the AirPods Pro 2, which overall provides a marginally more balanced audio experience.
For those with compatible devices, the support for LDAC codec on Android phones like the Pixel 7 Pro revealed a subtle improvement over AAC on the iPhone when streaming high-res audio tracks from Qobuz. While the difference may not be night and day, discerning listeners will appreciate the extra clarity and detail.
Noise Cancellation
Nothing claims to provide 45dB noise attenuation up to 5kHz, but our lab tests paint a slightly different picture. We measured approximately 20dB attenuation from the active noise cancellation in lower frequencies, complemented by around 30dB from passive isolation in higher frequencies. This combined reduction effectively lowers ambient noise levels by about 75%. While it may not dethrone the top-tier noise-canceling earbuds on the market, it still offers significant noise reduction for a distraction-free listening experience.
The Smart ANC algorithm continuously monitors for sound leakage between the earbuds and your ear canal, adjusting ANC levels accordingly. Additionally, an Adaptive ANC mode automatically adjusts the strength based on ambient noise levels. In our experience, keeping ANC on high proved most effective, but your mileage may vary depending on your environment and preferences.
Crystal Clear Calls
Equipped with three microphones and an AI noise reduction algorithm, the Nothing Ear ensures your voice comes through loud and clear during calls. While there’s a slight muffling effect on voices, the background noise reduction is impressively effective. Whether you’re in a bustling café or a windy park, your conversation partner should have no trouble understanding you – a crucial feature for those important calls on the go.
Battery Life and Charging
The Nothing Ear impresses with its battery performance, offering a substantial listening time that competes well within its price range. The earbuds themselves can last up to 8.5 hours on a single charge with ANC turned off, or about 5.2 hours with ANC enabled. This is quite impressive for earbuds in this category.
When you factor in the charging case, the total listening time extends dramatically. With this case, you can expect up to 40.5 hours of total playtime (ANC off), or around 24 hours with ANC on. This means you can go several days of regular use without needing to plug in the case.
Speaking of charging, Nothing has equipped the Ear with both wired and wireless charging capabilities:
- Wired charging: The case features a USB-C port for quick and convenient charging.
- Wireless charging: For added convenience, the case supports Qi wireless charging, allowing you to top up the battery by simply placing it on a compatible charging pad.
The charging case also supports fast charging. A quick 10-minute charge can provide up to 10 hours of listening time (with ANC off), which is perfect for those moments when you’re in a hurry and need a quick power boost.
It’s worth noting that these battery life figures can vary depending on your usage patterns, volume levels, and the features you have enabled. However, in our testing, we found the battery life to be consistent with Nothing’s claims, making the Ear a reliable companion for extended listening sessions or long trips without frequent recharging.
The Nothing X App
The Nothing X app is a playground for both audio enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. It offers a choice between basic and advanced graphic equalizers, catering to different levels of audio expertise. The basic EQ allows for easy adjustment of bass, mids, or treble, while the advanced option provides more granular control.
One standout feature is the personal sound profile, developed in partnership with Mimi Hearing, a company known for its medically certified hearing test app. This feature uses a hearing test to tailor the sound to your ability to perceive high frequencies. Unlike similar features from other brands that often fall short, we found the personal sound profile enhancement to be genuinely beneficial, adding a noticeable improvement to the listening experience.
Wrapping Up
We wholeheartedly recommend the Nothing Ear earbuds to nearly everyone. Casual listeners will love the sleek design, effective noise canceling, and impressive battery life. Audiophiles will appreciate the extensive sound customization options, support for LHDC and LDAC, and superb sound clarity.
Considering these earbuds are available at half the price of flagship models from Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser, the Nothing Ear is an easy choice. Don’t hesitate—grab these earbuds, and you won’t be disappointed.
You can now purchase this product for just $119 through our exclusive link. Hurry, this special offer is available only from July 16, 2024, to July 21, 2024.
