Nothing Ear 1 First Impressions: Is It Worth ₹21,999?

By Rahul

2 July 2025

## **Introduction**

The Nothing Ear 1 has been one of the most talked-about wireless earbuds since its launch. With its transparent design, active noise cancellation (ANC), and competitive pricing, it promises a premium audio experience. But is it worth the ₹21,999 price tag? In this first impressions review, we’ll explore its design, sound quality, features, and whether it stands out in the crowded TWS market.

Read more articles

## **Design & Build Quality**

One of the standout features of the Nothing Ear 1 is its unique transparent design. The earbuds and the charging case have a semi-see-through shell, giving them a futuristic look. The build quality feels premium, with a lightweight yet sturdy construction.

- **Earbuds:** The stem-style design is similar to AirPods but with a distinct Nothing aesthetic.

- **Case:** The compact case has a smooth matte finish with a satisfying magnetic closure.

- **Fit & Comfort:** The earbuds come with three silicone tip sizes, ensuring a secure fit for most users. They are comfortable for extended use, but those with smaller ears might find them slightly bulky.

## **Sound Quality & Performance**

The Nothing Ear 1 delivers a balanced sound signature with a slight emphasis on bass, making it great for modern music genres like hip-hop and EDM.

- **Drivers:** 11.6mm dynamic drivers provide clear mids and highs.

- **Bass:** Punchy but not overwhelming, offering a good depth.

- **ANC Performance:** The hybrid ANC (up to 40dB reduction) works well for blocking low-frequency noises like bus engines or AC hum, but it’s not as strong as Sony or Bose offerings.

- **Transparency Mode:** Allows outside sound in when needed, useful for conversations or street awareness.

## **Battery Life & Charging**

Battery life is decent but not class-leading:

- **With ANC On:** Up to 4 hours per charge (24 hours with case).

- **With ANC Off:** Up to 5.7 hours per charge (34 hours with case).

- **Fast Charging:** 10 minutes of charging gives 1.2 hours of playback.

- **Wireless Charging:** Supports Qi wireless charging, a nice addition at this price.

## **Features & Connectivity**

- **Bluetooth 5.2:** Ensures stable connectivity with minimal latency.

- **Touch Controls:** Customizable via the Nothing X app (supports play/pause, ANC toggle, track skipping).

- **IPX4 Rating:** Sweat and splash-resistant, making them suitable for workouts.

- **Low Latency Mode:** Helps reduce audio delay for gaming (not as good as dedicated gaming earbuds).

## **Microphone & Call Quality**

The triple-mic setup with environmental noise cancellation ensures decent call clarity, but it struggles in very noisy environments.

## **Nothing X App & Customization**

The companion app allows:

- **EQ Customization (Bass, Balanced, Voice, More Treble, More Bass).**

- **ANC/Transparency Mode Adjustments.**

- **Firmware Updates.**

## **Competition Comparison**

At ₹21,999, the Nothing Ear 1 competes with:

- **OnePlus Buds Pro 2 (₹11,999):** Better ANC but lacks transparency.

- **Sony WF-C700N (₹9,990):** Good ANC but inferior design.

- **Apple AirPods Pro 2 (₹24,900):** Superior ANC & ecosystem but pricier.

## **Verdict: Is It Worth ₹21,999?**

**Pros:**

✔ Unique transparent design

✔ Good sound quality with punchy bass

✔ Effective ANC for the price

✔ Wireless charging support

✔ Customizable touch controls

**Cons:**

❌ Battery life could be better

❌ ANC not as strong as premium competitors

❌ Slightly bulky for small ears

### **Final Thoughts**

The Nothing Ear 1 offers a stylish design, solid sound, and decent ANC at a competitive price. If you prioritize aesthetics and a balanced audio experience, it’s a great choice. However, if battery life and top-tier ANC are critical, alternatives like the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 2 might be better.

**Rating: 4/5**

**Best For:** Audiophiles who want a unique design with good sound and ANC.

Would you buy the Nothing Ear 1 for ₹21,999? Let us know in the comments!

---

Nothing Ear 1 First Impressions: Is It Worth ₹21,999?