Nothing Headphone 1: What It Gets Right and Wrong

The Nothing Ear (1) gets the core audio experience and design language right, but it falls short in a few key areas that matter for daily use. This article breaks down what the earbuds genuinely excel at and where they disappoint, so you can decide if they fit your needs.

What the Nothing Ear (1) Gets Right

Design and Build

The transparent stem and square case are genuinely distinctive. The earbuds are lightweight (4.7g each) and sit comfortably for most ears. The IPX4 water resistance handles sweat and light rain, which is standard at this price.

Sound Quality

With 11.6mm drivers, the Ear (1) delivers a balanced sound profile with a slight bass boost. Vocals are clear, and the soundstage is wider than many competitors in the $99 range. The active noise cancellation (ANC) reduces low-frequency hums like airplane engines or air conditioners effectively.

Integration and Controls

Press-and-hold gestures on the stems control ANC and volume. The Nothing X app (Android and iOS) offers a simple EQ with three presets. Google Fast Pair works seamlessly on Android, and the earbuds connect to two devices simultaneously via Bluetooth 5.2.

What It Gets Wrong

Battery Life

The earbuds last about 5.7 hours with ANC on in real-world tests, which is below the 6-hour claim. With the case, you get around 24 hours total, but competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 offer 5 hours with ANC and 20 total, so it’s not a huge gap. The case charges via USB-C or Qi wireless, but a 10-minute charge gives only 1.2 hours of playback, which is slower than some rivals.

Call Quality

Microphone performance is mediocre. In noisy environments, callers report background noise bleeding through, and your voice can sound distant. The three-mic array is fine for quiet rooms but struggles with wind or traffic.

Fit and Stability

The glossy stems are slippery, and the earbuds can work loose during workouts. The included ear tips come in three sizes, but some users need third-party tips for a secure seal. The lack of ear fins means they’re not ideal for intense exercise.

How It Compares to Rivals

vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2

The Buds 2 have better call quality and a more secure fit, but the Ear (1) offers a more distinctive design and slightly better ANC for the price. Both have similar battery life.

vs. Apple AirPods Pro (1st Gen)

AirPods Pro have superior ANC and transparency mode, but cost twice as much. The Ear (1) matches the AirPods Pro in sound quality for most listeners, but lacks spatial audio and seamless iOS integration.

vs. Sony WF-1000XM4

Sony’s flagship earbuds have class-leading ANC and battery life (8 hours with ANC), but they’re bulkier and cost over $200. The Ear (1) is a budget alternative that sacrifices some features for half the price.

Common Problems and Fixes

Connection drops: Reset the earbuds by holding the touch areas for 20 seconds until the LED blinks. Re-pair them.
One earbud not charging: Clean the charging contacts with a dry cotton swab. Ensure the earbud is seated correctly.
ANC not working: Check that you have the latest firmware via the Nothing X app. If not, toggle ANC off and on.
Wind noise on calls: Switch to the “Clear Voice” mode in the app, which reduces wind interference.

How to Choose the Right Earbuds

Consider your priorities:

Battery life: If you need over 6 hours per charge, look elsewhere.
Call quality: If you take calls in noisy places, the Ear (1) may disappoint.
Fit for sports: Look for earbuds with ear fins or hooks.
Ecosystem: iPhone users get better integration with AirPods; Android users get Fast Pair with the Ear (1).

Safety and Care Tips

Keep the earbuds away from water beyond IPX4 rating. Do not wear them while driving or cycling in traffic. Clean them regularly with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures. If you experience discomfort, remove them and consult a doctor if irritation persists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Nothing Ear (1) worth it in 2025?

If you value design and balanced sound under $100, yes. But if call quality or battery life is critical, consider newer models or rivals.

Do the Nothing Ear (1) work with iPhones?

Yes, they pair via Bluetooth and the Nothing X app works on iOS. You lose Fast Pair, but all features like ANC and EQ are available.

Can I use only one earbud at a time?

Yes, each earbud works independently for calls and music.

How do I reset the Nothing Ear (1)?

Place both earbuds in the case, press and hold the touch areas for 20 seconds until the LED flashes red, then re-pair.

What is the IP rating?

IPX4 means they resist splashes from any direction, but not submersion.

Do they support wireless charging?

Yes, the case charges on any Qi-certified pad.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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