New nothing ear 2024 improve the Nothing Ear (2) by replacing graphene transducers with ceramic models and integrating a dynamic low frequency adjustment algorithm. They also offer increased autonomy thanks to larger capacity batteries. Despite these improvements, the price remains at 149 euros, making these active noise reduction headphones a very attractive option.
A design that stands out
Aesthetically, the design of the new Ear does not revolutionize the previous range since they are identical. The brand opts for a transparent look, with opaque and translucent parts on both the storage case and the earbuds themselves. The headphones take a classic shape compared to the market, with a shell designed to fit comfortably in the ear and a stem with a clickable zone. Their design also allows certain electronic components to be seen through the stem, as well as the brand logo and model of the headphones.
To my great surprise, because until now few earphones fit well in my ears, the Ear easily find their place, whether in the ear canal or in the hollow of the ear. The low weight allows the user to move freely, including while running. Three tip sizes are provided: S, M and L. The M are pre-assembled upon purchase. I did not have the opportunity to test them in the rain, despite the IP54 certification, in Brittany, it rains very rarely.
Finally, the Ears are stored in a transparent case ensuring total autonomy charging. It charges via a USB-C port, and it has a button for Bluetooth pairing. Flat, this case is not bulky and fits easily into a pocket.
The Ear of 2024 in use
Simplicity is key here. The headphones, both left and right, have a button on the stem, or rather a tactile area that must be “pressed” (a “click” sound is then triggered in the ear) to perform an action. In use, when you “press” this famous button, you tend to make the earphone move in the ear, forcing you to reposition it. At least that's the case with MY ears which, I remind you, have never really liked headphones. The shortcuts are pre-configured and fully configurable via the Nothing We get used to it quickly.
Nothing
The Nothing X application, which must be downloaded to take full advantage of the Ear range, is an example of ergonomics. Firmware update, battery status (including the case), equalizer customization, bass boost, etc. Nothing is missing, the app is responsive and without frills, we appreciate it. It allows you to manage the entire range and is not specific to a device. Also, I was able to use the same app to configure the Ear but also the Ear (a), which we will talk about a little further down.
Let's talk audio
Let's be frank, my old ears of a forty-year-old diver are not the best to judge the difference in sound quality between Ears, using ceramic membranes, and Ear using plastic membranes. But having recently tested the latest Apple Airpods and other Samsung Buds, the Ear vintage 2024 are very clearly at the top of the basket. The bass reproduction is impressive, the sound delivered is clear and listenable, no track is missing, even after testing several musical styles.
For audiophiles looking for the little beast, the Ear supports the classic SBC/AAC but also LDAC and LHDC 5.0 (the Ear (a) do not support LHDC by the way). Personally, I was unable to identify any difference between these codecs on my Galaxy smartphone.
The sound of silence
But to be able to get the most out of your music, there's nothing like a silent environment... or a great active noise reduction (ANC) algorithm. Let's not beat around the bush, the Ear left me speechless. Effective up to 45dB and 5000 Hz, the Ear are capable of plunging you into almost total silence. I have never been able to test such effective active noise reduction. Indoors, with a slightly noisy PC, it's almost absolute silence. By car (yes, I tested it, but be careful, because you can no longer hear the traffic), the diesel engine is mistaken for an electric motor. The whirring sound is completely canceled. I can't wait to test them on a plane. This silence is so impressive and relaxing that I sometimes put the Ears on without listening to music, just to enjoy a moment of calm.
To activate the ANC, simply press the stem (by default). You will then hear a dull noise then... nothing. A truly effective algorithm on the sole condition that the earphone is firmly placed against the wall of the ear. Another press on the stem and you are in “Transparency” mode, in other words the headphones reproduce the ambient sound. Note that it is possible to completely deactivate ANC to save battery life. Which I actually set by default, because the transparency mode ultimately doesn't have it enough and, in a noisy environment, it's almost embarrassing to carry on a conversation.
Limitless use
In terms of autonomy, since it was discussed just before, the manufacturer announces 8,5 hours (9,5 hours for the Ear (a)) without using noise reduction. In use, I was able to use the Ear for 2 x 3 hours over a day, in noise reduction mode. After this long session, the battery still showed 15%. Either way, the charging box is never far away. In short, autonomy is, in my opinion, not a problem at all.
And yet, we use these little headphones, in particular thanks to the dual Bluetooth connection. You can indeed pair the Ear to your mobile and your PC. The audio is then played on a “first come, first served” basis (except in the case of a call on the smartphone). This avoids multiple manipulations. Your headphones stay in your ears for playing a Youtube video on your PC for example, and if Mamie Germaine calls, the sound automatically switches to the phone.
The microphone: weak point of the Ear
Given the impressive characteristics of the Ear, whether for sound quality or autonomy, I considered using Nothing's headphones for streaming, in order to have total freedom of movement, even more than with a headset microphone. Disappointment. For telephone use, the Ears do the job, even if they are clearly not the best in the field. But for a vocal recording, it's NO. The sound produced by the microphone is flat, distorted, and in a very noisy environment, the noise cancellation algorithm does more harm than good. I did not re-record an audio track for the occasion, since many YouTubers have already looked into the problem. Here is an example of poor microphone quality:
Nothing Ear VS Ear (a)
Nothing provided me with the 2 models for this test. And we're not going to lie, for a difference of 50 euros (149 vs 99), the Ear (a) fulfill their part of the contract. Despite their plastic membranes, not ceramic, and the absence of LHDC 5.0 codec, my ears did not notice the difference and the sound quality remains simply excellent. The design is identical, with IP54 waterproof characteristics. Only the case, which is smaller, only displays IPX2 resistance (compared to IP55 for the Ear case). Finally, it is not possible to use the advanced equalizer and the custom audio profile, but once again, in use, it is peanuts.
The Nothing Ear are available on Amazon for €149 the Ear (a), 50 euros cheaper, ends up at 99€.
