Nothing Ear (Open) Review: Comfort Trumps Sound in These Open-Ear Buds
Nothing’s foray into the open-ear bud market with the Nothing Ear (Open) presents a compelling, if somewhat contradictory, proposition: exceptional comfort at the expense of audio fidelity. At $150, these earbuds offer a compelling value proposition for those who prioritize all-day wearability over pristine audio quality. This review delves into the intricacies of the Nothing Ear (Open), exploring its strengths and weaknesses to determine if they justify their place in the competitive audio landscape.
Design and Build: Sleek Simplicity Meets Transparent Aesthetics
Nothing maintains its signature aesthetic with the Ear (Open), featuring a transparent charging case that’s remarkably compact – Nothing claims it’s the slimmest on the market at just 19mm and 62.4 grams. This diminutive size makes it incredibly pocket-friendly, easily slipping into even the smallest pockets. The earbuds themselves weigh 8.1g each, a weight that feels substantial for standard in-ear buds but manageable for open-ear designs with an over-the-ear hook.
The transparent casing, echoing the design language of the Nothing Phone (2a), allows for a glimpse of the internal components. Color-coded dots on the earbuds correspond to their charging slots in the case, simplifying the docking process. While the earbuds are constructed primarily from plastic, the incorporation of aluminum accents adds a touch of premium feel. The silicone ear hooks, unlike some designs, are remarkably thin comfortably sitting above the ear without pulling on one’s hair.
Controls: Intuitive Volume, Frustrating Playback
The Nothing Ear (Open) utilizes a single button on each earbud to control all functions. A single click plays/pauses music, double and triple clicks skip and rewind tracks, respectively, while a long press adjusts the volume. Call answering and ending are also handled with a single press. These controls are customizable via the Nothing X app (available for iOS and Android).
The volume control, while conceptually straightforward – pressing and holding adjusts, up or down on right and left buds respectively – doesn’t afford the precision of other methods using tap or swipe gestures. The increment level jumps a bit, and users may find it less accurate when requiring fine tuning. However, overall, this is considered an easily navigable design. The implementation of the button itself is, however, a significant point of contention. It’s described as a "force sensor" that you pinch, similar to the AirPods Pro, but its short travel and lack of crisp feedback make it prone to misreads, particularly when attempting to skip or rewind tracks. The placement also does not ergonomically align for easy use with one’s thumb and index finger.
Fit and Comfort: All-Day Wearability with a Catch
The Nothing Ear (Open)’s design shines in comfort. The reviewer found these immensely comfortable and could wear them for hours without discomfort. The thin, lightweight over-ear hook design is significantly more comfortable than traditional in-ear "hook" style earbuds.
However, this comfort comes with a trade-off: a loose fit that is problematic. That thin hook and overall minimalist design results in the buds frequently shifting and failing to maintain a secure position in the ear. They would need frequent readjustment, particularly when fixing your hair or wearing glasses. This instability considerably impacts the audio quality. While this loose fit allows for excellent comfort during extended use, it’s a detriment in other aspects.
Sound Quality: Mediocre Performance Due to Design Constraints
The Nothing Ear (Open) boasts 14.2mm dynamic drivers, larger than many competitor earbuds. While driver size usually correlates with bass response, the open-ear design considerably limits bass performance. The lack of a seal in the ear canal increases sound leakage, resulting in a noticeable lack of low-end presence. Despite the larger drivers, the reviewer found bass to be negligible, attributing the issue to the loose fit.
Mids and Treble frequencies, on the other hand, come through clearly. The absence of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a feature usually found in pricier models, is a given with open-ear designs, but this further reduces soundscape, even more limited due to the fit challenges.
The reviewer found the Ear (Open) acceptable for casual listening at home or during chores where sound quality is less critical and overall sound quality and insulation were not a primary concern. Out and about, however, the lack of ANC and sound leakage made them significantly less useful for podcasts and calls, particularly in louder environments. The sound quality simply becomes too compromised.
Battery Life and Water Resistance: Impressive Endurance
The Nothing Ear (Open) offers exceptional battery life. The reviewer reported six to eight hours of playtime/talktime, and an impressive 24-30hours of combined use with the case. This extended battery life, coupled with the charging case, allowed for consistent usage during the entire review period. Battery charging indicators are quite visible with readily understandable indicators. Fast charging is not supported, but this overall does still indicate longer battery usage.
The earbuds boast an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance. While not fully waterproof, they withstood everyday splashes and light moisture exposure without issue, showing reliable durability during regular use in a busy environment. A key feature often not as reliable with similar earbud types.
Verdict: Good for Convenience, Not Great for Audiophiles
The Nothing Ear (Open) presents a fascinating dilemma. The comfort and extended wearability are undeniably impressive and ideal for all-day use while multitasking. And this exceptional wearability is a notable strength that should be highlighted. The lightweight design and remarkable battery life make them an excellent companion for those who value convenience above all else. The multipoint connectivity, allowing connections to up to two devices, further enhances the practicality. However, the significant sound leakage caused by the loose fit and the on-ear design heavily compromises the sound quality, making them less suitable as versatile earbuds for people seeking a balanced audio experience. They are a great solution for those who prioritize comfort for extended wear paired with a solid battery life. However, for use in environments with noise beyond average daily use, or for someone keen on pristine audio, other options may be superior. These would be better used for at-home and casual use only.
