Nothing, a fast-growing London-based hardware startup, has unveiled its latest audio product: the Ear Open headphones. Priced at $149, these new open-ear earbuds are designed to provide a balance between immersive sound and situational awareness, making them ideal for users who need to stay aware of their surroundings.
The Ear Open headphones are geared toward users who prioritize hearing what’s happening around them, whether it’s during a bike ride or a walk through the city.
Unlike traditional earbuds that use active noise cancelation (ANC) to block external noise, these open-ear devices are designed to let ambient sounds in, while still delivering high-quality audio.
This design is especially useful for those who need to stay alert to their environment, enhancing safety without compromising on sound quality.
Despite the open-ear design, Nothing aims to minimize sound leakage, a common issue with headphones that don’t feature ear cups or inserts.
According to the company, the Ear Open headphones incorporate a Sound Seal System along with directional speakers that reduce sound leakage, maintaining privacy while ensuring a well-balanced audio experience.
Stylish and Lightweight Design
As with other products in Nothing’s lineup, the Ear Open headphones continue the company’s focus on sleek and modern design. They bear a resemblance to the company’s previous Ear products, offering a stylish alternative to many other open-ear headphones on the market, which can often lack aesthetic appeal. Nothing has also emphasized the lightweight nature of these earbuds, claiming they are 30% lighter than standard earbuds, adding to their comfort for extended use.
Performance and Features
The Ear Open provides eight hours of playback on a single charge, with a total of 30 hours when factoring in the charging case. Additionally, like the Ear 2, these headphones support voice-activated access to ChatGPT through the Nothing X app, giving users easy access to AI assistance on the go.
Pricing and Availability
At $149, the Ear Open headphones are priced similarly to the Ear 2 and are positioned above the budget-friendly Ear A. They are also slightly more expensive than the recently launched AirPods 4, which lack ANC. Preorders for the Ear Open headphones begin on Tuesday, with shipping set to start on October 1 in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Europe.
