The Nothing Ear (open) is a refreshing break from the world of tight, sealed earbuds. Its open design lets you enjoy music while staying aware of what’s happening around you, making it perfect for people who dislike the blocked-ear feeling of traditional buds
A Fresh Take on Earbuds That Don’t Seal You Off Nothing has always taken pride in breaking the usual design rules, and the Ear (open) shows that once again. These aren’t the typical earbuds that plug your ears tightly. Instead, they sit gently outside your ear canal using a 50-degree tilt that feels natural and surprisingly secure. The transparent aesthetic gives them a futuristic charm, and the lightweight build makes them comfortable even during long wear. Whether I was walking, working, or playing with my dog, they stayed put without any pressure—something I rarely experience with regular earbuds.
2/5
Sound That’s Open Yet Surprisingly Full Open-style earbuds usually suffer when it comes to bass and detail, but Nothing manages to overcome that with clever engineering. The 14.2 mm driver uses a stepped design that brings sound closer to the ear, keeping it clear and dynamic. You get airy vocals, clean mids, and a decent punch in the bass without it sounding messy. Songs feel spacious, almost like listening in a room instead of a sealed chamber. And despite being open, sound leakage is minimal, so your music stays private. The Nothing X app also lets you fine-tune the sound exactly the way you like.
3/5
Everyday Convenience With Great Battery and Controls Where these earbuds truly shine is in everyday life. Because they don’t block the ear canal, you can listen to music while still being aware of traffic, colleagues, or what’s happening around you. The pinch controls are reliable and can be customised through the app. Battery life is impressive too—around eight hours per charge and up to thirty hours with the case. Fast charging is a bonus when you’re rushing out the door. Calls sound clear thanks to AI noise reduction, and even outdoors, my voice was easy to hear on the other side.
4/5
Smart Features Like Dual Connection and ChatGPT Integration The Ear (open) comes with thoughtful features like Dual Connection, which lets you stay connected to your laptop and phone at the same time, switching smoothly when you get a call. Gaming mode reduces latency if you’re pairing it with a Nothing phone. There’s even ChatGPT integration, which you can activate with your voice—though this works best only if you’re using a Nothing phone running Nothing OS. It’s a peek into Nothing’s larger plan of blending hardware with AI features in the future.
Premium Price for a Unique Experience—Not Pure Audio Power At Rs 17,999, the Ear (open) sits firmly in the premium zone. You’re paying mainly for design innovation, comfort, and the open-ear experience rather than booming, audiophile-level sound. If regular earbuds hurt your ears, feel too isolating, or never stay in place, this design will feel like a revelation. But if your priority is deep bass or the best value-for-money sound quality, cheaper traditional models might suit you better. For people who want a stylish, breathable, and all-day comfortable alternative to standard earbuds, the Nothing Ear (open) is definitely worth considering.
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