Nothing Earbuds Review Sound Design and Performance

If you're in the market for true wireless earbuds that blend sleek design with solid audio performance, the Nothing Earbuds deserve your attention. As a tech blogger who's tested over 50 earbud models in the past three years—from Apple AirPods Pro to Sony WF-1000XM5—Nothing has carved out a unique space by focusing on transparency, minimalist aesthetics, and surprisingly balanced sound.

Design That Turns Heads

Let’s start with what makes Nothing stand out: design. The Ear (stick) and Ear (a) models feature a transparent casing that shows off the internal circuitry—a bold move in a world full of matte-black clones. But it’s not just about looks. The ergonomic shape fits snugly in most ears, and at 4.8g per bud, they’re among the lightest on the market.

Sound Quality: Balanced for Real Listeners

Many brands boost bass to impress in short demos. Nothing takes a different approach. Their sound signature is tuned for neutrality, making them ideal for critical listening. Whether you're into acoustic jazz or complex electronic layers, these buds reveal details other earbuds bury.

Here’s how they stack up against key competitors:

As the table shows, Nothing Earbuds offer superior battery life and competitive specs at a fraction of the price of premium rivals.

Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode

The active noise cancellation (ANC) isn’t class-leading, but it’s effective for commuting and office use—blocking around 75% of low-frequency noise like train rumbles. The transparency mode, however, is excellent. It sounds natural, not tinny, which is rare at this price point.

Battery & Connectivity

With 11 hours in the buds and 34 total with the case (and USB-C fast charging), these outlast most competitors. A 10-minute charge gives you 4 hours of playback—perfect for last-minute commutes.

Final Verdict

If you value design, balanced sound, and long battery life without paying luxury premiums, Nothing Earbuds are a top contender. They may lack some high-end ANC finesse, but their overall package is hard to beat under $150.

For audiophiles and minimalists alike, these buds prove that sometimes, nothing really is everything.