TechAudioHeadphonesEarbudsI’ve used the Nothing Ear (open) – here’s three things I love and two things I don’tThe Nothing Ear (open) could be the audio device for youWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechAudioHeadphonesEarbudsI’ve used the Nothing Ear (open) – here’s three things I love and two things I don’tThe Nothing Ear (open) could be the audio device for youWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The Nothing Ear (open) could be the audio device for you
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Jump to category:SpecsThe GoodThe Bad
Jump to category:SpecsThe GoodThe Bad
The brands current crop includes devices like theNothing Earand theNothing Phone (2). Both of those are highly regarded products, fusing great specs with cool, industrial design language – and all at an impressive price point.
Now, the brand has unveiled a new product in the earbuds category. Dubbed theNothing Ear (open), these use a slightly different design to sit on the ear, rather than in it.
I’ve been using the Nothing Ear (open) for the last week or so, to get a feel for what they can do. Let’s dive in and take a closer look.
(Image credit: Tenielle Jordison)
(Image credit: Tenielle Jordison)
Nothing Ear (open): key specs
Let’s kick off with some key specs. These buds feature a single 14.2mm driver in each bud. That’s much larger than you’d expect to find in a pair of in-ears, which should offer a boost on the low-end. Those feature a titanium-coated diaphragm, too, allowing it to move quickly – good for high-end frequencies – without bending or distorting.
Users will find a 64mAh battery in each earbud, with a 635mAh cell in the case. That should be good for eight hours of playback from the buds alone, and up to 30 hours with the case and buds.
Elsewhere, you’ll find the expected pinch controls for music playback options, while the Nothing X app acts as a brilliant one-stop shop for all of your deeper editing needs. IP54 water resistance for both the buds and case should be good enough to get through sweaty workouts and great British rainfall, too.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
3 things I like
1. Impeccable sound quality
As someone who isn’t a fan of open earbuds – sometimes known as half-ins – I’ll admit I was skeptical on first glance. Traditionally, those kinds of earbuds have lacked the sonic fidelity found in other, in-ear compatriots.
When I first tried on the Nothing Ear (open) buds, I was afraid these might be more of the same. Take the time to really get them seated in the proper place, though, and the results will surprise you.
That larger driver is simply magnificent, offering a phenomenal low-end response. It pretty much defies the laws of physics, actually, but I’m certainly not complaining!
The result is an audio profile which is more than capable of reproducing your favourite audio on the go. Sure, it’s not perfect – I do think the high-end frequencies still suffer somewhat, but that was always likely to be the case.
For many, this profile will me more than capable of impressing.
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
2. Charging case
When I first saw the charging case for the Nothing Ear (open), I was quite shocked. It’s much broader than most others, opting for a long, slim design, rather than the bullet cases and square boxes we see from other manufacturers.
Fortunately, the word ‘slim’ doesa lotof heavy lifting here. It sits just 19mm thick, which is really nothing in the grand scheme of things. The result is a case which should be even more portable than more traditional designs from other manufacturers.
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
3. Open ear listening
As part of the core feature-set of this kind of device, users can enjoy a fantastic natural transparency mode. It stands to reason – your ear canal is still exposed, and thus you should be capable of hearing what’s happening around you.
Still, I was impressed with how good this was. They’re perfect for working in the office, allowing you to still be on hand for any in-person queries, but also immersed in your own audio at will.
2 things I don’t like
1. Uncomfortable for glasses wearers
While I did enjoy the sound quality of the Nothing Ear (open), I couldn’t enjoy it for long. That’s because the design is really uncomfortable for anyone who also happens to wear glasses.
It makes sense – the stems of your eyewear will have to sit on top of these buds, which loop over the same spot on top of your ears. For me, that meant I couldn’t really muster more than an hour of listening before they became too uncomfortable to carry on.
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
2. Strange looking design
While we’re talking about the design, it’s also fair to say it’s a little…weird. Again, it’s a criticism which could likely be levelled at most of this industry, but they’re not exactly an under-the-radar choice.
I think of them in a similar manner toVR headsetslike theMeta Quest 3and theApple Vision Pro– great tech, and arguably quite recognisable for what they are, but still too weird for the average Joe to remain blissfully unaware of.
Today’s best Nothing Phone (2) deals147 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$599View$925View$990ViewWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Nothing Phone (2) deals147 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$599View$925View$990ViewWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Nothing Phone (2) deals
147 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆
147 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆
☆☆☆☆☆
$599View$925View$990View
$599View
$599View
$599View
$599
$599
$925View
$925View
$925View
$925
$925
$990View
$990View
$990View
$990
$990
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: sensational sound, ordinary ANCBowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
Bowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
Try this 4-week core workout plan to build strength, stability, and definitionUnlock full-body power with this simple yet effective core routine – no endless crunches, just real results
Unlock full-body power with this simple yet effective core routine – no endless crunches, just real results
Nothing confirms the launch date of its next audio product – could be something uniqueNothing Ear Open could move the brand into a new category of headphones
Nothing Ear Open could move the brand into a new category of headphones
Nothing Ear (Open) “confirmed” online – only a matter of time before we see the new earbudsNew Ear (Open) headphones could help keep you connected to the real world
New Ear (Open) headphones could help keep you connected to the real world
Nothing plans yet more wireless earbuds soon, with “Nothing Ear Open” spotted in listingNothing is working on more earbuds
Nothing is working on more earbuds
