The world of true wireless earphones has seen a significant surge in popularity in recent years, with brands like Apple, Samsung, and Sony dominating the market. However, a new player entered the scene in 2021, promising to shake things up with their sleek design, impressive sound quality, and affordable price tag – Nothing Ear (1). But, are Nothing Earphones worth it? In this article, we’ll delve into the details, exploring the features, pros, and cons of these earbuds to help you make an informed decision.
The Birth of Nothing Earphones
Nothing Ear (1) is the brainchild of Carl Pei, the co-founder of OnePlus, a brand known for its high-quality, affordable smartphones. After leaving OnePlus, Pei set out to create a new company, Nothing, with the mission to “remove the barriers between people and technology.” The Ear (1) is the company’s debut product, and it’s clear that they’re aiming to disrupt the true wireless earphone market.
Aesthetics and Design
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Ear (1) is its unique design. The earbuds feature a transparent shell, showcasing the internal components and giving them a futuristic look. The stems are short and sleek, with a subtle curve that fits comfortably in your ear. The charging case, too, is compact and minimalist, with a clear plastic top that allows you to see the earbuds inside.
The transparent design is more than just a visual gimmick; it’s also a testament to Nothing’s commitment to sustainability. The earbuds are made from recycled aluminum, and the company has eliminated unnecessary packaging materials to reduce waste.
Sound Quality
So, how do the Ear (1) sound? In short, they’re impressive. The earbuds feature 11.6mm dynamic drivers, which provide clear, balanced audio with decent bass response. They’re not quite on par with high-end earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM4, but they’re certainly competitive with other mid-range options.
One area where the Ear (1) excels is in their ability to reproduce vocals. The earbuds are particularly good at rendering detailed, nuanced vocals, making them a great choice for podcast listeners and audiophiles.
Active Noise Cancellation
The Ear (1) also features active noise cancellation (ANC), which helps to block out background noise and immerse you in your music. While the ANC isn’t as effective as some other earbuds on the market, it’s still a nice feature to have, especially at this price point.
Features and Functionality
The Ear (1) comes with a range of features that make them easy to use and customize.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, which provides a stable, reliable connection to your device. They’re compatible with both Android and iOS devices, and the Nothing app allows you to customize settings, update firmware, and adjust the sound to your liking.
Gestures and Controls
The Ear (1) features intuitive touch controls, allowing you to play/pause music, skip tracks, and adjust the volume with ease. You can also customize the gestures to suit your preferences.
Battery Life
The earbuds themselves offer around 4-5 hours of battery life, which is decent but not exceptional. However, the charging case provides an additional 24 hours of battery life, making it easy to top up your earbuds on the go.
Pros and Cons
So, are the Nothing Ear (1) worth it? Here are some pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros
- Affordable price tag: The Ear (1) is priced at around $99, making them an attractive option for those on a budget.
- Unique design: The transparent design is a bold move, and the earbuds certainly stand out from the crowd.
- Good sound quality: The Ear (1) delivers clear, balanced audio with decent bass response.
- Sustainable design: Nothing’s commitment to sustainability is admirable, and the recycled aluminum earbuds are a nice touch.
Cons
- The Ear (1) can pick up some background noise, which can be distracting.
- Average battery life: While the charging case provides plenty of extra juice, the earbuds themselves could do with a bit more battery life.
- No wireless charging: The Ear (1) charges via USB-C, but there’s no wireless charging option available.
Verdict
So, are the Nothing Ear (1) worth it? If you’re looking for a stylish, affordable pair of true wireless earbuds with good sound quality, then yes, they’re definitely worth considering. While they may not be perfect, the Ear (1) offers a compelling package that’s hard to resist.
If you’re willing to overlook a few minor flaws, the Nothing Ear (1) could be the perfect earbuds for you.
As the true wireless earphone market continues to evolve, it’ll be interesting to see how Nothing responds to the competition. For now, the Ear (1) is a solid debut product that’s definitely worth a listen.
What are the main features of the Nothing Ear 1 earphones?
The Nothing Ear 1 earphones are a pair of true wireless earbuds that boast a sleek and minimalist design. They offer a range of features, including active noise cancellation, wireless charging, and up to 34 hours of battery life. They also come with three microphones, which provide clear call quality and voice assistant functionality.
In addition to these features, the Nothing Ear 1 earphones are also IPX4 rated, making them sweat and water-resistant. They come with a compact charging case that can fit easily in a pocket or purse, and they support fast charging, which provides an hour of playback with just 10 minutes of charging. Overall, the Nothing Ear 1 earphones offer a compelling combination of features and style.
How do the Nothing Ear 1 earphones sound?
The Nothing Ear 1 earphones deliver clear and balanced sound with good bass response. They use 11.6mm dynamic drivers to produce a wide frequency range, and they support Bluetooth 5.2 for stable and reliable connectivity. The earphones also feature a proprietary sound processing algorithm that helps to enhance audio clarity and detail.
In practice, the Nothing Ear 1 earphones sound great for a wide range of music genres, from hip hop to classical. They provide good separation between instruments and vocals, and they can get quite loud without distorting. However, it’s worth noting that the sound quality may not be quite as good as some more expensive earbuds on the market.
Do the Nothing Ear 1 earphones have good noise cancellation?
The Nothing Ear 1 earphones feature dual-mode active noise cancellation, which uses a combination of feedforward and feedback microphones to block out background noise. The noise cancellation is effective, but not quite as good as some more premium earbuds on the market.
In general, the Nothing Ear 1 earphones do a good job of blocking out constant, low-frequency noises like engine rumble or airplane hum. However, they may struggle to block out higher-frequency noises like conversation or keyboard typing. Still, the noise cancellation is definitely useful, and it can help to improve sound quality and reduce listener fatigue.
How long do the Nothing Ear 1 earphones last on a single charge?
The Nothing Ear 1 earphones can last up to 5.7 hours on a single charge, depending on the volume level and the amount of noise cancellation used. This is a decent battery life, but it’s not the longest-lasting earbuds on the market.
Fortunately, the charging case provides an additional 28.7 hours of battery life, which means you can get up to 34 hours of playback on a single charge. The charging case also supports fast charging, which can provide an hour of playback with just 10 minutes of charging.
Are the Nothing Ear 1 earphones comfortable to wear?
The Nothing Ear 1 earphones are designed to be comfortable and ergonomic, with a compact shape that fits snugly in the ear. They come with three sizes of ear tips to ensure a secure fit, and they are lightweight, weighing just 4.7 grams per earbud.
In practice, the Nothing Ear 1 earphones are indeed very comfortable to wear. They don’t feel too heavy or bulky, and they don’t put too much pressure on the ear. However, as with any earbuds, it’s possible to experience some discomfort or fatigue after wearing them for extended periods.
Can I use the Nothing Ear 1 earphones for exercise or sports?
The Nothing Ear 1 earphones are sweat and water-resistant, with an IPX4 rating that can withstand sweat and water splashes. This makes them a good choice for exercise or sports, as they can withstand the rigors of heavy activity.
However, it’s worth noting that the Nothing Ear 1 earphones may not be the best choice for very intense activities, such as swimming or surfing. While they are water-resistant, they may not be fully waterproof, and exposing them to too much water could potentially damage them.
Are the Nothing Ear 1 earphones worth the money?
The Nothing Ear 1 earphones offer a compelling combination of features, style, and sound quality, and they are priced competitively compared to other true wireless earbuds on the market. They are definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new pair of earbuds.
However, it’s worth noting that the Nothing Ear 1 earphones may not be the best choice for everyone. If you’re looking for the absolute best sound quality or the longest battery life, you may want to consider other options. But if you’re looking for a stylish and feature-packed pair of earbuds that won’t break the bank, the Nothing Ear 1 earphones are definitely worth a look.