When it comes to true wireless earbuds, the competition is fierce, with each brand vying for dominance in both the premium and budget-friendly segments. Nothing, the brainchild of OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, has entered the fray with its latest offerings: the Nothing Ear and the Nothing Ear a. But how do they stack up against each other, especially considering the slight difference in price? Let’s dive into the comparison.
What’s in the Box?
Both the Nothing Ear and the Nothing Ear a come with the essentials: the buds themselves, two extra sizes of silicon tips, a USB charging cable, and a quick start guide. Nothing groundbreaking here, but everything you need to get started.
Design
Visually, the differences between the two models are apparent right from the case design. The Nothing Ear sports the familiar fidget spinner case, while the Nothing Ear a opts for a smaller, squatter, and more rounded design. While the Nothing Ear case may appeal to some, the simpler design of the Nothing Ear a case offers more pocket-friendly convenience.
Design Comparison:
| Feature | Nothing Ear | Nothing Ear a |
|---|---|---|
| Case Design | Fidget spinner style | Smaller, squatter, and rounded |
| Color Options | Black or white | Bright, bold yellow (Ear A only) |
| Waterproof Rating | IP55 | IPX2 (Ear case), IP54 (Earbuds) |
| Weight | Slightly heavier (0.18g difference) | Slightly lighter |
Comfort and Fit
Both sets of earbuds provide excellent comfort, even during extended wear. The included tip fit test in the Nothing app ensures you find the right size for your ears. Additionally, both models offer IP54 or IP55 splash resistance, making them suitable for workouts or rainy commutes.
Nothing X App
The Nothing X app is your gateway to customizing the earbuds’ settings. Regardless of which model you choose, you’ll find similar features and controls, including battery monitoring, noise control settings, touch control customization, and more. However, the Nothing Ear offers a slight advantage with its advanced equalizer and personal sound profile feature, providing more control over audio output.
App Features:
- Battery monitoring
- Noise control settings
- Touch control customization
- Advanced equalizer (Ear only)
- Personal sound profile (Ear only)
Audio Quality
Both earbuds boast the same 11mm custom driver, ensuring high-quality audio playback. However, the Nothing Ear goes the extra mile with a ceramic diaphragm, promising enhanced sound performance. Additionally, the Nothing Ear offers support for LDAC and LHDC codecs, providing audiophiles with more options for high-quality audio streaming.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The ANC performance on both models is comparable, effectively reducing ambient noise in various environments. While they may not compete with industry giants like Bose or Sony, they offer decent noise cancellation for everyday use.
Microphone Quality
With a triple-mic setup and Nothing’s Clear Voice technology, both earbuds deliver clear and crisp voice quality, even in noisy environments.
Battery Life
One significant improvement over the previous generation is the battery life. Both models offer around 5 hours of continuous playback, with the case providing additional charges on the go. While not groundbreaking, it’s a welcome upgrade for users who found the previous model lacking in this department.
Charging Options
Both earbuds support USB-C charging, but the Nothing Ear also offers wireless charging—a convenient feature for users who prefer cable-free charging solutions.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, both the Nothing Ear and the Nothing Ear a offer compelling features and performance at their respective price points. If you’re looking for a slight audio upgrade and additional customization options, the Nothing Ear is worth the extra investment. However, if you prioritize a more compact design and don’t mind sacrificing a few advanced features, the Nothing Ear a is a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences. Whichever model you choose, you can expect a premium audio experience and stylish design from Nothing.
So, which one will you be adding to your cart? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe for more tech reviews and updates.