Introducing the Nothing Ear (open), the latest ‘hearable’ from London-based tech brand Nothing. Following the design of the existing Ear series, this is the company’s first open-ear model. The new design focuses on comfort, situational awareness, and sound quality. This marks Nothing’s fourth mainline earbuds, excluding special editions like the Ear (stick) and their CMF budget line. Known for bold designs and innovative audio tech, Nothing aims to transform how we experience audio on the go.
The Nothing Ear (open) stands out with the brand’s signature minimalist and transparent design. Unlike traditional earbuds with silicone tips that block outside sound, these open-ear wearables rest on your ear canal, delivering sound while allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings—similar to holding a phone to your ear. Nothing founder Carl Pei explains, “This form lets you hear your surroundings without taking an earbud out.”
True to Nothing’s design philosophy, the Ear (open) features a slim, see-through build, weighing just 8.1 grams per earbud. The compact case, only 19 mm thick, is easy to carry and doubles as a charging dock. It even includes a dimple on the lid for fidgeting.
The Ear (open) features Open Sound Technology, allowing users to enjoy immersive audio while staying connected to their surroundings. Whether in a busy city or a park, these earbuds let in ambient sounds like traffic or birdsong without overpowering your music or calls. This makes them perfect for staying aware of your environment, whether for safety or simply to feel more present.
The Ear (open) also includes a Sound Seal System and directional speakers to reduce sound leakage. These features provide a rich listening experience without disturbing others, addressing a common issue with open-ear earbuds. You get both situational awareness and high-quality sound.
The Ear (open) uses a three-point balance system and flexible silicone ear hooks to ensure a secure fit, ideal for activities like running, exercising, cycling, or walking. These lightweight earbuds are designed to stay in place so comfortably, you’ll forget you’re wearing them.
On the performance side, the Ear (open) boasts a custom patent-pending diaphragm, titanium coating, and ultra-light drivers, delivering deep lows and crisp highs. The automatic Bass Enhance algorithm adds extra punch to the bass without compromising sound quality—something we’re excited to test when we get our hands on them!
The Ear (open) offers 8 hours of playback on a single charge, extending to 30 hours with the charging case. A quick 10-minute charge gives you 2 more hours of use. For clear calls on the go, AI-powered Clear Voice Technology ensures your voice is heard, even in noisy environments, having been trained on over 28 million noise scenarios. The earbuds also support Dual Connection for easy device switching, and Low Lag Mode for minimal audio delay during gaming.
Nothing has added ChatGPT to the Ear (open), letting you interact with GPT instead of your phone’s assistant for smarter, more intuitive conversations. Whether you need to check the weather, find answers, or get directions, just ask—no need to reach for your phone. This feature, accessed via the Nothing X app, makes real-time information available with a voice command, turning your earbuds into more than just audio devices. It’s a step ahead of AirPods, which haven’t yet integrated Apple Intelligence.
The Nothing Ear (open) will be available for pre-order on September 24th, with the official launch on October 1st. Priced at $149 USD (£129/€149), these earbuds offer great value for those seeking advanced technology and a user-friendly design. If you enjoy music while exercising, these open-ear wearables are worth considering, especially at this affordable price.
