Nothing Ear is a line of wireless earbuds produced by Nothing, a London-based consumer technology company founded by Carl Pei in 2020. The company’s mission is to create “seamless digital experiences” that integrate technology into people’s lives without being intrusive.
The first product in the Nothing Ear line, the Ear (1), was released in July 2021 and quickly gained attention for its unique design and advanced features, including active noise cancellation and wireless charging. The Ear (1) was followed by the Ear (2), which was released in March 23 and has already received positive reviews for its improved sound quality and transparency mode.
Nothing Ear has become a popular choice for people who are looking for high-quality wireless earbuds that offer a range of features and a sleek, modern design. With the company’s focus on innovation and user experience, it is likely that we will see more exciting products from Nothing Ear in the future.
Design and Features
Earbuds Design
The Nothing Ear earbuds have a unique and stylish design that sets them apart from other wireless earbuds. The partially transparent design of the earbuds allows users to see the internal components, giving them a futuristic look. The earbuds come in a variety of colors, including black, white, and red, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their style. The earbuds have a comfortable fit, thanks to their lightweight design and silicone ear tips that come in different sizes. This ensures that users can find the perfect fit for their ears, which is essential for noise isolation and sound quality.
Noise Cancellation
The Nothing Ear earbuds feature active noise cancellation (ANC), which reduces ambient noise, making them ideal for use in noisy environments. The ANC can be turned on or off using touch controls on the earbuds, allowing users to switch between noise cancellation and ambient mode, which lets in external sounds.
Controls and Connectivity
The earbuds feature touch controls that allow users to control playback, adjust volume, and activate the voice assistant on their device. The touch controls are easy to use and responsive, making it easy to navigate through music and calls. The earbuds connect to devices via Bluetooth 5.2, providing a stable and reliable connection. They also feature support for AAC and SBC codecs, ensuring high-quality audio playback. The earbuds come with a charging case that supports wireless charging, making it easy to keep them charged on the go. Overall, the Nothing Ear earbuds have a unique and stylish design, comfortable fit, and impressive features, making them a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality wireless earbuds.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the Nothing Ear (1) and Ear (2) both deliver impressive performance. However, there are some differences between the two models.
Audio Performance
The Ear (1) boasts a balanced but powerful sound signature, with a frequency response that gets close to the target curve. The Ear (2), on the other hand, has a more vibrant sound with a greater emphasis on bass and treble. While this can make the Ear (2) sound more exciting, it can also make some tracks sound a bit harsh.
Both models have active noise cancellation (ANC) that is effective at reducing ambient noise. This can be particularly useful in noisy environments like airplanes or busy offices. However, the Ear (2) has a more advanced ANC system that can adapt to different environments and provide a more personalized experience.
EQ Customization
One of the strengths of the Nothing Ear (1) and Ear (2) is their ability to customize the EQ settings. The Ear (1) has a few EQ presets available, but they aren’t necessary due to the balanced sound signature. The Ear (2) takes things a step further with a dedicated app that allows for more precise EQ customization. This can be useful for audiophiles or anyone who wants to fine-tune the sound to their personal preferences.
It’s worth noting that the app can be a bit finicky at times, and some users have reported issues with connectivity and stability. However, overall the app is a useful tool for getting the most out of the Ear (2).
Battery Life and Charging
Nothing Ear (1) offers impressive battery life, with up to 34 hours of total listening time when the charging case is fully charged. The earbuds themselves can last for up to four hours of listening time with active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on, and up to five and a half hours with ANC turned off.
Charging the earbuds is easy and convenient. The charging case supports both USB-C and wireless charging. A full charge of the earbuds takes about an hour and a half, while the charging case takes about two hours to charge via USB-C and about three hours to charge wirelessly.
One unique feature of the charging case is its fast charging capability. Placing the earbuds in the case for just 10 minutes can provide up to 1.2 hours of additional listening time. Charging the case for just 10 minutes can also provide the earbuds with another 8 hours of battery life.
Overall, the battery life and charging capabilities of the Nothing Ear (1) are impressive and convenient for users who are always on the go and need reliable earbuds with long-lasting battery life.
Price and Availability
Nothing Ear (1) was released in July 2021 and was priced at approx $99 / €99 / £99, making it an affordable option in the budget market for earbuds. The company’s founder, Carl Pei, stated that the goal of Nothing Ear (1) was to provide “transparency, iconic form, and refined functionality.”
Now, in 2023, the company has released the next generation of earbuds, the Nothing Ear (2), which is priced **See Price at Amazon**. The price is still competitive compared to other personalized sound ANC rivals, such as the Apple AirPods Pro 2, which is $100 more expensive.
The Nothing Ear (2) is available for purchase on the company’s website, nothing.tech, as well as through select retailers. As a thank you to their earliest supporters, Nothing is offering extended warranty for Ear (2) to Ear (1) users who purchase on nothing.tech.
Conclusion
The Nothing Ear (2) earbuds offer a unique design, vibrant sound, and a range of features that make them a strong contender in the wireless earbuds market. The stem design is similar to the AirPods Pro, but with its own unique twist that sets it apart from the competition. The earbuds come with a range of eartips to ensure a comfortable fit for all users, and the IP54 rating for the earbuds and IP55 rating for the charging case mean they can be used in any realistic environment.
One of the standout features of the Ear (2) is the Nothing X app, which provides access to touch control customization, Noise Control, Ear Tip Fit Test, Find My Earbuds (within range), Personal Sound Profile, and more. The app is easy to use and allows users to customize their listening experience to their preferences.
While the Ear (2) may not have the longest battery life on the market, it is still sufficient for most users. The earbuds have a battery life of up to 5.7 hours on a single charge, with an additional 34 hours of battery life provided by the charging case. The earbuds also support fast charging, with 10 minutes of charging providing up to 1 hour of playback time.
Overall, the Nothing Ear (2) earbuds are a strong choice for anyone looking for a unique design, vibrant sound, and a range of features. While they may not be the best choice for users who prioritize battery life above all else, they are still a solid option for most users. With its sleek design, comfortable fit, and customizable features, the Ear (2) are a worthy addition to the wireless earbuds market.
