Uncovered: Nothing Ear Open Review – Defective Design Mars Debut of Innovative Wireless Headphones
Nothing Ear (open): One Minute Review
I dove into testing the Nothing Ear (open) under the assumption that, like other open-ear headphones, they were designed for fitness use. However, my experience with these buds was a far cry from that expectation. The Nothing Ear (open) are a unique pair of earbuds that miss the mark when it comes to their intended use case.
Design and Fit Issues
The band hook, which loops over your ears to connect the body of the bud, is made of a very flexible material that does a poor job of holding the bud and counterweight still. This means that when you’re moving, the bud wobbles, changing the music’s sound quality and sometimes even slapping against your ear.
Audio Performance
Unfortunately, the audio performance of the Nothing Ear (open) is subpar. The volume maxes out at a low level, and the sound quality is iffy. It’s hard to get excited about music with these earbuds.
Should You Buy It?
Buy it if:
- You’re not planning to use them for exercise or fitness purposes.
- You want a unique, stylish design.
- You’re looking for a decent pair of earbuds for casual listening.
Don’t buy it if:
- You plan to use them for exercise or fitness purposes.
- You’re looking for good sound quality or high volume levels.
- You’re willing to compromise on the design and fit.
Also Consider
If you’re in the market for open-ear headphones, you may want to consider other options like the OpenRock Pro or the 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50. These earbuds offer better water resistance, longer battery life, and improved audio performance.
How I Tested
I used the Nothing Ear (open) for roughly three weeks, testing them for exercise, at home, and in various public areas. I paired them with an Android phone and tested them using Spotify, Tidal, and other music services.
Specifications
| Component | Nothing Ear (open) | OpenRock Pro | 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water resistant | IP54 | IPX4 | IPX7 |
| Battery life | 8 hours (earbuds), 30 hours (total) | 19 hours (earbuds), 46 hours (total) | 10-11 hours (earbuds), 38 hours (case) |
| Bluetooth type | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Weight | 8.1g / Charging case: 63.8g | 13g / Charging case: 64g | 10g / Charging case: 63g |
| Frequency response | Not stated | 20Hz-20kHz | Not stated |
I hope this review helps you make an informed decision about the Nothing Ear (open).
