SoundGuys called the Nothing Ear (Open) 'the new front runners in the open-ear market,' praising its more ergonomic design and improved driver placement that enhances sound quality compared to other open-ear models. The earbuds feature an IP54 rating and multipoint connectivity, making them suitable for active users who want to stay aware while listening. However, reviewers noted a slight rattle when stored in the case and the absence of wireless charging. The Nothing Ear (Open) is ideal for outdoor cardio enthusiasts and those wanting to maintain awareness during use. TechRadar reported similar concerns about the pinch controls requiring significant force and noted the lack of wireless charging as a drawback. These features make it a solid choice for fitness-focused users but may not suit everyone.
Full review
Design and fit
The Nothing Ear (Open) feature a distinctive hook-shaped design that sits on the outer ear rather than in the ear canal. SoundGuys noted that the earbuds are "firmly planted in their case with a strong magnet," but also observed a "rattle" when stored, with the silver tips "bumping against the plastic piece next to them." The case is described as pill-shaped with a clear top and rounded edges, and is white with silver accents. The earbuds themselves weigh 8.1 grams each and measure 14 x 51 x 41 mm, while the case is 19 x 125 x 44 mm. According to techreviewer.de, the design is "feather-light" and IP54 rated, making them suitable for workouts, though the elongated case is less pocket-friendly compared to standard earbuds. The ergonomic design allows the driver to sit closer to the ear canal than other open-ear models, which the manufacturer claims improves sound quality. The transparent look, combined with white temples and silver weights, creates a futuristic aesthetic that the reviewers found appealing.
Comfort and wearability
Comfort levels vary significantly among users, with The Shortcut's review noting that while the ear hooks are "flexible and comfortable to wear for long periods of time," they may not fit everyone. The review found that some users with smaller ears or those wearing glasses experienced difficulties with fit, as the speakers can easily misalign and fall out of place. The ergonomic design was praised for its secure fit during exercise, with techreviewer.de confirming that the earbuds "do not slip even during workout." However, the case is described as "thin and long" compared to typical earbuds, making it less convenient for pocket storage. The reviewers also noted that the earbuds are "pleasantly light" at just 8.1 grams per earbud, which contributes to their comfort during extended use.
Sound quality and audio performance
The Nothing Ear (Open) utilize a dynamic 14.2 mm driver, which techreviewer.de describes as a "real beast in a positive sense" for open earbuds, resulting in "remarkably dynamic sound" with strong bass. The sound signature tends towards a classic V-curve, emphasizing bass and treble, which the reviewers found suitable for pop, rock, and electronic music. SoundGuys noted that the earbuds offer "one of its other key features" in terms of sound quality, though they also mentioned that the sound quality is "not exactly a tin of mints" due to the open design. The bass is described as "powerful" and "balanced" but can be "too bass-heavy" for some listeners, with The Shortcut's reviewer noting that it "sounds completely unnatural for everything but hip-hop." The mids and highs are praised for their clarity and openness, creating an "airy, transparent sound stage" that allows each instrument to be easily located. The Nothing X app provides an 8-band equalizer for fine-tuning the sound, though the reviewers noted that adjustments are needed for optimal listening experience.
Battery life and charging
The Nothing Ear (Open) provide 30 hours of battery life, which The Shortcut found to be "surprisingly solid" and in line with Nothing's claims. However, the lack of wireless charging is a significant drawback, with The Shortcut noting that they "wish they came with wireless charging to juice back up." The earbuds are IP54 rated for water and dust resistance, making them suitable for workouts, but the charging case is described as "pretty big" and less pocket-friendly. The case is also noted to be "thin and long" compared to standard earbuds, which may impact portability. SoundGuys mentioned that the earbuds have "no wireless charging" and that there is a "slight rattle from earbuds when stored in charging case," indicating that while the battery life is good, the charging setup is less convenient.
Connectivity and app integration
The Nothing Ear (Open) use Bluetooth 5.3 for connection, which techreviewer.de found to be "stable, had a long range and low latency." The earbuds support standard codecs SBC and AAC, and while high-resolution codecs like LDAC are not included, they are "well equipped for everyday use." The Nothing X app is required for customizing pinch controls, which allows users to tailor the earbuds' functionality to their preferences. SoundGuys noted that the earbuds are controlled via physical pinch controls, one on each earbud, and that these controls are "customizable via the Nothing app." The app also provides access to EQ options, which reviewers found to be "excellent" for adjusting the sound to personal preferences. The multipoint connectivity feature is also highlighted as a key advantage, allowing users to connect to multiple devices simultaneously.
User experience and control
The Nothing Ear (Open) are controlled through physical pinch controls on each earbud, with the left earbud handling playback functions and the right earbud managing calls and volume. The controls are customizable via the Nothing X app, and the reviewers noted that they are "intuitive" and easy to use. SoundGuys reported that the earbuds offer "excellent EQ options" and that the app integration allows for fine-tuning of the listening experience. The app also provides access to multipoint connectivity, which allows users to connect to multiple devices. The reviewers emphasized that while the controls are functional, the lack of wireless charging is a notable inconvenience, especially for those who rely on portable charging solutions. The earbuds' ability to maintain awareness while playing music is a key selling point, with users able to hear their surroundings naturally, which is particularly beneficial for outdoor activities.
Value proposition and alternatives
While they are described as "solid open-style earbuds for $150," The Shortcut noted that they have "some problems" and that "you’ll have to decide for yourself whether it’s worth the gamble." The reviewers compared them to alternatives such as the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and Sony LinkBuds Open, suggesting that those options may offer better-fitting experiences. SoundGuys noted that while the earbuds are "ideal for those who like to stay aware while staying in shape," they also acknowledged that the sound quality is a "drawback" for those seeking premium audio performance. The design is praised as "eye-catching" and "durable," but the lack of wireless charging and the rattle in the case are seen as significant negatives. The reviewers concluded that while the earbuds are functional and stylish, they may not be the best choice for users who prioritize audio quality or convenience features.
Strengths
- +IP54 waterproof rating for both earbuds and case
- +Ergonomic design with driver placement closer to ear canal than competitors
- +Multipoint connectivity allows connection to two devices
- +Stylish pill-shaped case with clear top for easy visibility
Watch-outs
- −Slight rattle from earbuds when stored in charging case
- −No wireless charging support
How it compares
The Nothing Ear (Open) distinguishes itself with ergonomic design and improved driver placement that enhances sound quality over the Sony LinkBuds Clip and Shokz OpenRun Pro 2. While the Shokz models offer better battery life and bone conduction technology, the Nothing earbuds provide multipoint connectivity and a more stylish case design.
Rating sources
Our 3.6 score is the average of the 6 scored reviews above; 1 more reviewed it without printing a score and is not in the average. More about methodology.
