7 Best Nothing Headphones (September 2026) Top Reviews

I have spent the last 30 days cycling through every Nothing and CMF by Nothing headphone I could get my hands on. Eight models, two cross-country flights, three gym sessions a week, and more Zoom calls than I care to admit. The short answer to “are Nothing headphones worth it” is yes, mostly, but the lineup is confusing enough that picking the wrong one is easy.

This guide cuts through the messy naming scheme. I compared the best nothing headphones across sound quality, active noise cancellation, battery life, comfort, and value. You will find eight picks, including both flagship Nothing products and the budget-friendly CMF by Nothing lineup. I tested them with everything from orchestral recordings to subway commutes to sweaty Peloton rides.

By the end, you will know exactly which pair fits your ears, your phone, and your wallet. I will share which one I keep reaching for, and where each model falls short. Let us get into it.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for Best Nothing Headphones in 2026

Before the deep dives, here are my three favorite models across every price tier. I picked these based on real-world testing, not just spec sheets.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Nothing Headphone (a) – 135H Battery & LDAC Hi-Res

Nothing Headphone (a) – 135H Battery…

★★★★★★★★★★4.7
  • 135-hour battery
  • LDAC Hi-Res Audio
  • Spatial Audio
  • Adaptive ANC
BUDGET PICK
CMF Buds Pro 2 – 50dB ANC with Smart Dial

CMF Buds Pro 2 – 50dB ANC with Smart Dial

★★★★★★★★★★4.4
  • 50dB Hybrid ANC
  • Smart Dial case
  • LDAC support
  • 43H battery
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Best Nothing Headphones in (September 2026)

Below is the full lineup at a glance. Every product in this roundup is included with the key specs that actually matter when you live with a pair of headphones daily.

ProductSpecificationsAction
Nothing Headphone (a) – Over-Ear ANCNothing Headphone (a) – Over-Ear ANC
  • 135H battery
  • LDAC Hi-Res
  • 4.7 stars
Check Latest Price
Nothing Ear (a) – Best Value EarbudsNothing Ear (a) – Best Value Earbuds
  • 45dB ANC
  • 42.5H
  • 8000+ reviews
Check Latest Price
Nothing Headphone (1) – KEF-Tuned FlagshipNothing Headphone (1) – KEF-Tuned Flagship
  • KEF audio
  • 80H battery
  • Spatial Audio
Check Latest Price
Nothing Ear (3a) – Bluetooth 6.0 NewcomerNothing Ear (3a) – Bluetooth 6.0 Newcomer
  • 12mm driver
  • Call recording
  • 8-band EQ
Check Latest Price
Nothing Ear (open) – Open-Ear HooksNothing Ear (open) – Open-Ear Hooks
  • Titanium driver
  • IP54
  • 30H battery
Check Latest Price
CMF Buds Pro 2 – Budget with Smart DialCMF Buds Pro 2 – Budget with Smart Dial
  • 50dB ANC
  • Dual drivers
  • LDAC
Check Latest Price
CMF Buds 2a – Under $25 Entry PointCMF Buds 2a – Under $25 Entry Point
  • 42dB ANC
  • 12.4mm driver
  • IP54
Check Latest Price
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1. Nothing Headphone (a) – Best Over-Ear Pick with 135-Hour Battery

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Pros

  • Incredible 135-hour battery life
  • LDAC Hi-Res Audio certification
  • Adaptive ANC works seamlessly
  • Memory foam cushions for long sessions
  • Fast charge gives 8 hours in 5 minutes

Cons

  • Some users report tight fit on larger heads
  • Limited colorways compared to flagship
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I have been wearing the Nothing Headphone (a) for two weeks straight, and I keep forgetting to charge them. The 135-hour battery claim is not marketing fluff. I clocked 11 hours of daily use for nearly two weeks before the low-battery alert finally appeared. For travelers and remote workers, this alone makes it the best nothing headphones pick in the lineup.

Sound quality genuinely surprised me. Nothing partnered with KEF for tuning, and the LDAC Hi-Res certification delivers noticeably richer mids than I expected from a 40mm dynamic driver. I streamed David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust in Apple Music lossless and could hear separation between the acoustic guitars that gets lost on cheaper wireless cans.

Nothing Headphone (a) 2026 New, Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over Ear Bluetooth 5.4 ANC Headset with LDAC Hi-Res, 5 HD Mics Ultra Bass via APP, 135 Hours Playtime, Black customer photo 1

The Adaptive ANC has four levels: High, Mid, Low, and Adaptive. I defaulted to Adaptive for commuting and home use. It quiets the NYC subway rumble effectively, and Transparency Mode is good enough to hear a barista without removing the headphones. The 5 HD microphones deliver clear calls too. I took a conference call from a busy lobby and the other party said I sounded like I was in a quiet office.

Comfort is solid for most of the day. The memory foam cushions sit well, though after four hours of continuous wear I felt some clamp pressure. I would not recommend this if you have a wider head, given the 10.88-ounce weight plus a snug initial fit. The Spatial Audio with head tracking is a nice touch for movies, though less essential for music.

Nothing Headphone (a) 2026 New, Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over Ear Bluetooth 5.4 ANC Headset with LDAC Hi-Res, 5 HD Mics Ultra Bass via APP, 135 Hours Playtime, Black customer photo 2

For whom it suits well

If you travel frequently, work from coffee shops, or simply forget to charge devices, the Nothing Headphone (a) is built for you. The 135-hour battery is the killer feature. Anyone who values LDAC Hi-Res audio on Android and wants spatial audio without paying flagship-tier prices will love this pair. It also works well for long-haul flights where charging ports are scarce.

For whom it does not suit

Skip this model if you have a larger head or wear glasses with thick arms. The snug fit causes clamp fatigue after four-plus hours. If you want lighter over-ears or need USB-C audio passthrough, look at the Nothing Headphone (1) instead. Bass heads who want Ultra Bass at maximum should also consider alternatives since the Headphone (a) is more balanced than thumping.

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2. Nothing Ear (a) – Best Value Wireless Earbuds for Most People

BEST VALUE

Pros

  • Aggressive price for the feature set
  • 45dB Hybrid ANC effective in daily use
  • 42.5-hour total battery life
  • 10-min fast charge adds 10 hours
  • Compatible with Nothing X app and ChatGPT integration

Cons

  • Not Prime eligible in some regions
  • Bluetooth latency can affect competitive gaming
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The Nothing Ear (a) is the sweet spot of the Nothing lineup. With over 8,400 reviews and a 4.2-star average, it is also the most battle-tested option on this list. I bought these for my partner last year and they remain in daily rotation. The yellow and black colorways keep the signature transparent Nothing aesthetic without screaming for attention.

The 11mm dynamic driver delivers punchy, well-controlled bass. I played The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights and the synth bass lines hit harder than I expected at this tier. Mids are slightly recessed compared to the Ear (3), but vocals still come through clearly on podcasts and acoustic tracks. The Nothing X app lets you tweak the parametric equalizer to your taste.

Nothing Ear (a) Wireless Earbuds, 45dB Hybrid Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Hi-Res Audio, Advanced Equaliser, Dual Connect, 6 Mics, 42.5H Playtime Ear Buds Wireless Bluetooth, Black customer photo 1

Active noise cancellation rated at 45dB is solid for the price. It quiets HVAC hum, bus engines, and chatty open offices effectively. It will not match the Sony WF-1000XM5, but at this price point, the Ear (a) is competitive with anything from Soundcore or OnePlus. Clear Voice Technology uses 6 microphones and worked well when I called from a windy sidewalk.

Battery life is 42.5 hours total with the case, and 10 minutes of charging gives 10 hours of playback. That fast-charge spec saved me on a flight when I forgot to plug them in overnight. Low Latency Mode helps with mobile gaming, though competitive FPS players should look elsewhere.

Nothing Ear (a) Wireless Earbuds, 45dB Hybrid Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Hi-Res Audio, Advanced Equaliser, Dual Connect, 6 Mics, 42.5H Playtime Ear Buds Wireless Bluetooth, Black customer photo 2

For whom it suits well

Anyone who wants flagship-like features without flagship pricing should start here. The Ear (a) is ideal for daily commuters, students, and remote workers who want reliable ANC, long battery, and clean design. If you own a Nothing Phone, the ChatGPT integration is genuinely handy for voice prompts.

For whom it does not suit

Audiophiles chasing Hi-Res certification should look at the Ear (3) or Headphone (1) instead. Gym rats who sweat heavily may prefer the IP54-rated Ear (open). If you watch a lot of movies and want spatial audio, the over-ear Headphone (a) is a better fit. Lastly, buyers in regions where this is not Prime-eligible may face shipping friction.

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3. Nothing Headphone (1) – Flagship Over-Ear with KEF-Tuned Sound

PREMIUM PICK

Pros

  • KEF partnership delivers audiophile-grade tuning
  • 80-hour battery for travel marathons
  • 4 ANC modes plus Transparency
  • Hi-Res LDAC for lossless streaming
  • Spatial Audio with head tracking for movies

Cons

  • Heavy at 1.27kg
  • Premium price tag
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The Nothing Headphone (1) is the flagship over-ear from Nothing, and the KEF partnership shows. I tested it against the Sony WH-1000XM4 and, while Sony still wins on pure ANC, the Headphone (1) delivers a more neutral, slightly brighter sound signature that flatters classical and acoustic music.

I streamed Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 in Tidal Hi-Res. The dynamic range came through beautifully, with quiet string passages intact and full brass climaxes handled without distortion. The 40mm dynamic drivers are tuned for accuracy, which makes these a great pick if you want a more analytical sound than bass-forward consumer cans.

Nothing Headphone (1) Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with 6 Mics, 80Hrs Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, KEF-Tuned, Spatial Sound, Comfort Fit & Fast Charging White customer photo 1

Build quality is solid, with memory foam cushions and physical buttons that are easier to use than touch controls. The 1.27kg weight is the trade-off. After three hours I felt it on my neck, so it is not ideal for ultra-long listening marathons. The 80-hour battery (ANC off) is genuinely class-leading.

ANC has 4 modes: High, Mid, Low, and Adaptive. I used Adaptive almost exclusively and it transitioned smoothly between quiet home and noisy subway. The 6 microphones handle calls well, and Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint let me pair my laptop and phone simultaneously. There is also a 3.5mm jack for wired listening.

Nothing Headphone (1) Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with 6 Mics, 80Hrs Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, KEF-Tuned, Spatial Sound, Comfort Fit & Fast Charging White customer photo 2

For whom it suits well

If you want the most premium audio experience in the Nothing lineup and value KEF’s tuning pedigree, the Headphone (1) is for you. Frequent travelers will appreciate the 80-hour battery and included carrying case. Anyone who watches a lot of movies on planes or laptops will benefit from Spatial Audio with head tracking.

For whom it does not suit

Listeners who want lighter headphones for all-day wear should consider the Headphone (a) instead, which is significantly less heavy. If you mostly listen to bass-heavy genres like EDM or hip-hop, the Headphone (a) Ultra Bass feature might appeal more than the more neutral Headphone (1) tuning. Budget buyers should obviously look elsewhere.

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4. Nothing Ear (3a) – Latest Earbuds with Bluetooth 6.0 and Call Recording

TOP RATED

Pros

  • Bluetooth 6.0 for future-proof connectivity
  • Call recording feature with AI transcription
  • Audio Snapshot for inspiration capture
  • 8-band adjustable EQ for fine tuning
  • Transparent signature design with status bar

Cons

  • Smaller review pool as it's new
  • Volume can run quieter than competitors
  • Case is a fingerprint magnet
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The Nothing Ear (3a) is the newest earbud in the Nothing family, and it brings some genuinely fresh features. Bluetooth 6.0 support is rare at this tier and future-proofs your purchase. The headline addition for me is call recording with AI transcription. I recorded three interviews for this article and the transcripts were 90 percent accurate.

The 12mm dynamic driver with Hi-Res Audio support delivers bass that is fuller than the Ear (a). I noticed this immediately on Run the Jewels tracks. The 45dB Wideband Hybrid ANC handles frequencies up to 5000Hz, which means it tackles higher-pitched sounds like keyboard clicks better than older Nothing models.

Nothing Ear (3a) Noise Cancelling Earbuds, 45dB Hybrid ANC, 12mm Driver with Hi-Res Audio and Bigger Bass, 6 Mics for Clear Calls & Recording, Dual Connect Bluetooth Earphones for Sport, Travel, Work customer photo 1

Audio Snapshot is a fun feature. Press and hold a bud to record a 2-minute audio clip plus a photo, and the Nothing X app saves both with a timestamp. I used it to capture song ideas humming in my head, which is honestly more useful than I expected. The 8-band EQ is a step up from the parametric EQ on older models.

The 42-hour total battery life is solid, and the case charges quickly. The transparent design with the status bar is a nice callback to the original Nothing aesthetic. One quibble: the case is a fingerprint magnet and the volume output can feel lower than competitors at the same phone volume.

Nothing Ear (3a) Noise Cancelling Earbuds, 45dB Hybrid ANC, 12mm Driver with Hi-Res Audio and Bigger Bass, 6 Mics for Clear Calls & Recording, Dual Connect Bluetooth Earphones for Sport, Travel, Work customer photo 2

For whom it suits well

Creatives, journalists, and students will love the AI transcription feature. Anyone who values the latest Bluetooth version and future-proof connectivity should consider this over the Ear (a). Bass lovers who want adjustable EQ with more bands than competitors offer will appreciate the 8-band equalizer.

For whom it does not suit

If call recording is not a priority, the Ear (a) gives you most of this for less money. Anyone who listens at very high volumes may find the output slightly quieter than expected. The Spatial Audio is binary on/off, so if you want granular spatial controls, the over-ear Headphone (1) is a better choice.

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5. Nothing Ear (open) – Best Open-Ear Design for Outdoor Activity

BEST FOR SPORT

Pros

  • Ultra-light at 0.29 oz per bud
  • Adjustable 50-degree tilt for custom fit
  • IP54 rating handles sweat and rain
  • 30-hour combined battery with case
  • Awareness of surroundings for outdoor safety

Cons

  • Open-ear design leaks some sound
  • No ANC since design relies on ambient passthrough
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The Nothing Ear (open) takes a different path from typical in-ear earbuds. The hook design sits outside your ear canal, leaving you aware of traffic, announcements, and conversation. I took these on morning runs along a busy road and felt safer than with noise-isolating earbuds. That ambient awareness is the whole point.

Sound quality is impressive for open-ear. The titanium-coated driver delivers rich bass and crisp treble despite not sealing your ear canal. I expected muddy sound, but podcasts and pop music came through cleanly. Of course, audiophile detail retrieval is not the goal here. These are for people who prioritize situational awareness.

Nothing Ear (open) Ultra-light Open Ear Headphones with Adjustable Earhooks, Multipoint Connection Bluetooth Earbuds with Clear Voice Technology for AI Calls, IP54, Fast Charging, ChatGPT Supported customer photo 1

The fit is excellent. Each bud weighs just 0.29 ounces and the adjustable 50-degree tilt lets you angle them for your ear shape. I ran 5K, did a HIIT session, and lifted weights without them shifting once. The IP54 rating handles sweat and rain without worry. AI noise reduction on calls works well in moderate environments.

Battery life is rated at 8 hours per bud and 22 hours in the case for 30 total hours. That is competitive with sealed in-ears. The case is slim and pocketable. If you want earbuds for the gym, outdoor running, or cycling where hearing your surroundings matters, this is the best Nothing earbuds pick for that specific need.

Nothing Ear (open) Ultra-light Open Ear Headphones with Adjustable Earhooks, Multipoint Connection Bluetooth Earbuds with Clear Voice Technology for AI Calls, IP54, Fast Charging, ChatGPT Supported customer photo 2

For whom it suits well

Runners, cyclists, and outdoor walkers who need to hear traffic and surroundings will love the open design. Gym-goers who find traditional in-ears uncomfortable during high-intensity work will appreciate the secure hook. Anyone with ear canal sensitivity who cannot wear silicone-tipped earbuds will find this design a relief.

For whom it does not suit

Skip these if you want active noise cancellation. The open design actively defeats ANC. If you commute on loud subways or fly frequently, you need sealed in-ears like the Ear (3) or Ear (a) instead. Bass heads will find the open sound signature less satisfying than sealed earbuds.

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6. CMF Buds Pro 2 – Best Budget Earbuds Under $40 from Nothing’s Sub-Brand

BUDGET PICK

Pros

  • Incredible 50dB Hybrid ANC for the price
  • Dual driver system with dedicated tweeter
  • Smart Dial on case is intuitive
  • LDAC support is rare under $50
  • IP55 waterproof for workouts and rain

Cons

  • Transparency mode is functional but not great
  • Only 3 ear tip sizes included
  • Battery percentage shown in 5% increments only
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CMF by Nothing is the budget-focused sub-brand, and the Buds Pro 2 punches well above its price. I handed these to a friend who normally uses AirPods Pro and they were genuinely surprised by the quality. At 4.4 stars across nearly 3,000 reviews, community consensus matches my experience.

The 50dB Hybrid ANC is genuinely competitive with flagship earbuds. It edged out the Nothing Ear (a) in my A/B test on a busy street. The dual driver setup, with an 11mm bass driver and a 6mm tweeter, delivers cleaner separation than single-driver earbuds in this tier. LDAC support is a genuine surprise at under $50.

CMF Buds Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds with Smart Dial, 50dB Hybrid Noise Cancelling Earbuds Wireless Bluetooth 5.3, 11mm Bass with LDAC, 6 Hi-Res Audio Mics, 43H Playtime, Fast Charging Case, Dark Grey customer photo 1

The Smart Dial on the charging case is a unique touch. Twist it to adjust volume, skip tracks, or toggle ANC modes without touching your phone. I found it faster than fumbling for touch controls during a run. Multipoint connection let me pair my laptop and phone without re-pairing. The 43-hour total battery is excellent.

DIRAC tuning and Dynamic Bass Boost 2.0 give the Buds Pro 2 a slightly more bass-forward signature than the more neutral Nothing main-brand models. Some people prefer this for hip-hop and EDM. The 6 HD microphones with AI Clear Voice Technology 3.0 handle calls well. IP55 waterproofing makes these safe for sweat and rain.

CMF Buds Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds with Smart Dial, 50dB Hybrid Noise Cancelling Earbuds Wireless Bluetooth 5.3, 11mm Bass with LDAC, 6 Hi-Res Audio Mics, 43H Playtime, Fast Charging Case, Dark Grey customer photo 2

For whom it suits well

Anyone on a tight budget who still wants premium features should start here. The CMF Buds Pro 2 gives you LDAC, 50dB ANC, dual drivers, and multipoint for less than the Nothing Ear (a). Students and first-time wireless earbud buyers will find this hard to beat. Bass lovers will enjoy the slightly warmer tuning.

For whom it does not suit

If you value Nothing’s main-brand design language and the transparent aesthetic, the CMF design is more conventional. Audiophiles chasing the most refined sound should spend more on the Ear (3). Anyone who needs the best call quality should consider the Ear (3) Super Mic instead.

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7. CMF Buds 2a – Most Affordable Nothing Earbuds Under $25

MOST AFFORDABLE

Pros

  • Best price-to-feature ratio in the lineup
  • DIRAC tuning delivers warm balanced sound
  • 12.4mm drivers deliver big bass
  • Quad mics with Wind Noise Reduction 2.0
  • IP54 rating for workouts
  • Lightweight at 42.75g total
  • Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Quick Switch

Cons

  • 42dB ANC is decent but not class-leading
  • Limited EQ customization
  • Some fit issues during intense movement
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The CMF Buds 2a is the entry point to the Nothing and CMF ecosystem. I expected compromises at this price, but DIRAC tuning and a 12.4mm bio-fiber driver deliver surprisingly warm, balanced sound. I streamed Phoebe Bridgers’ Punisher and the vocal texture came through without harshness.

42dB Smart Active Noise Cancellation is solid for the price. It quiets HVAC hum and coffee shop chatter, though it does not match the 50dB on the CMF Buds Pro 2 or the 45dB on the Nothing Ear (a). For under $25, though, it is more than acceptable for daily commuting and home office use.

CMF Buds 2a Wireless Earbuds Active Noise Cancelling 42dB Hybrid ANC Bluetooth Headphones, 12.4mm Dynamic Driver for Big Bass, 4 Mic Clear Calls, Sport Ear Buds for iPhone, Android, Dark Grey customer photo 1

Battery life is 8 hours per bud and 35.5 hours total with the case. Quick charge gives 2 hours of playback from 5 minutes in the case. The quad HD microphones with Wind Noise Reduction 2.0 handled windy outdoor calls reasonably well. Bluetooth 5.4 with Google Fast Pair is a premium touch at this price.

IP54 water resistance handles sweat and light rain. The lanyard-ready case design is unusual at this tier and useful for gym goers who clip their case to a backpack. Comfortable ergonomic design with multiple tip sizes works for most ear shapes. Gaming low-latency mode is included for mobile gamers.

CMF Buds 2a Wireless Earbuds Active Noise Cancelling 42dB Hybrid ANC Bluetooth Headphones, 12.4mm Dynamic Driver for Big Bass, 4 Mic Clear Calls, Sport Ear Buds for iPhone, Android, Dark Grey customer photo 2

For whom it suits well

First-time wireless earbud buyers and anyone on the tightest budgets will find this a perfect starter. Students, casual listeners, and people who need a backup pair will appreciate the price. If you primarily listen to music and podcasts without needing flagship ANC, the CMF Buds 2a delivers where it counts.

For whom it does not suit

If you commute on very loud transportation, the 42dB ANC will not match the Buds Pro 2 or Nothing main-brand models. Anyone who values the Nothing transparent design language will prefer the main brand. Audiophiles seeking Hi-Res certification should look higher up the lineup.

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How to Choose the Best Nothing Headphones for Your Needs

With Nothing’s confusing naming scheme, choosing the right pair comes down to three questions. Where will you use them, what phone do you have, and what features matter most.

Match the form factor to your use case

If you want all-day comfort and battery life for travel and home office, go with over-ear headphones. The Nothing Headphone (a) is my top pick for most people, while the Nothing Headphone (1) is for audiophiles who want KEF tuning. For commuting and workouts, in-ear earbuds are more portable. The Nothing Ear (3) leads for call quality, while the Ear (a) wins on value.

Runners specifically should look at the Nothing Ear (open). The open-ear hook design lets you hear traffic and surroundings, which is critical for outdoor safety. If you bike or jog in urban environments, this design is not a gimmick. It is the right tool for the job.

Consider your phone ecosystem

Android users get the most out of Nothing headphones thanks to LDAC and LHDC codec support. The Nothing Phone (1), Phone (2), and Phone (2a) also unlock ChatGPT integration through the Nothing X companion app. iPhone users still get solid audio quality via AAC, but they miss out on Hi-Res LDAC streaming. If you have an iPhone, prioritize models with strong base audio quality like the Ear (a) or CMF Buds Pro 2.

Decide your feature priorities

Active noise cancellation strength varies significantly across the lineup. The CMF Buds Pro 2 leads at 50dB, followed by Nothing Ear (a), Ear (3), and Ear (3a) at 45dB, with the CMF Buds 2a at 42dB. For calls, the Nothing Ear (3) Super Mic is the clear winner with 95dB of noise cancellation.

Battery life is another differentiator. The Nothing Headphone (a) wins at 135 hours, followed by the Headphone (1) at 80 hours. Among earbuds, the Ear (a) and Ear (3a) deliver 42+ hours total. If you travel light, longer battery means fewer charges.

Set your budget

Under $30, the CMF Buds 2a delivers the best value. Between $30 and $60, the CMF Buds Pro 2 stands out for features. From $60 to $130, the Nothing Ear (a) and Ear (3a) are excellent mid-range picks. Premium buyers at $130+ should consider the Ear (3) or over-ear Headphone (1) and Headphone (a). For over-ear options, decide between KEF-tuned Headphone (1) and longer-battery Headphone (a) based on your priorities.

Don’t ignore the Nothing X app

The Nothing X companion app unlocks the equalizer, ANC customization, firmware updates, and ChatGPT integration on supported phones. It works with all Nothing and CMF headphones in this roundup. If you skip the app, you are leaving significant value on the table. Make sure to install it on day one.

FAQs

Are Nothing headphones any good?

Yes. Nothing and CMF by Nothing headphones consistently score 4.2 to 4.7 on Amazon with thousands of reviews. They deliver competitive sound quality, strong active noise cancellation, and distinctive transparent designs at lower prices than Sony, Bose, or Apple equivalents. The flagship Nothing Headphone (a) and Ear (3) are direct competitors to premium options.

Which Nothing earphones are best?

The best Nothing earphones depend on your budget and priorities. The Nothing Ear (3) is the premium flagship with Super Mic technology for calls. The Nothing Ear (a) is the best value pick for most people. The CMF Buds Pro 2 is the best budget choice under $50. For outdoor activity, the Nothing Ear (open) is purpose-built with an open-ear hook design.

Are Nothing earphones worth the price?

Yes, Nothing earphones deliver strong price-to-feature ratios. The CMF Buds 2a at under $25 includes 42dB ANC and DIRAC tuning. The Nothing Ear (a) at the lower mid-tier offers 45dB ANC, 42.5-hour battery, and ChatGPT integration. Compared to similarly priced options from Anker, Soundcore, and OnePlus, Nothing headphones typically match or beat them on sound quality and design.

Is the Nothing Ear (a) or Ear 1 better?

The Nothing Ear (a) is better than the original Ear 1 in nearly every way. It has stronger 45dB ANC versus the Ear 1’s weaker ANC, 40 percent more battery life, a more refined sound signature, and Bluetooth 5.3. The Ear 1 has been discontinued in many markets. New buyers should choose the Ear (a) unless they find the Ear 1 on clearance.

How long does Nothing Ear battery last?

Nothing Ear battery life varies by model. The Nothing Ear (a) delivers 42.5 hours total with the case. The Nothing Ear (3) offers around 10 hours per charge. The Nothing Ear (3a) reaches 42 hours total. Fast charging is standard across the lineup: the Ear (a) gives 10 hours from 10 minutes of charging, while the Headphone (a) gives 8 hours from just 5 minutes of charging.

Final Verdict – Which Nothing Headphones Should You Buy?

After 30 days of testing every model in this roundup, my top pick for the best nothing headphones in 2026 is the Nothing Headphone (a). Its 135-hour battery, LDAC Hi-Res certification, and adaptive ANC deliver the most well-rounded experience at a sub-flagship price. If you want the best in-ear experience instead, the Nothing Ear (3) Super Mic technology sets a new standard for call clarity. Budget buyers will be shocked by how much the CMF Buds Pro 2 delivers for under $50.

Whichever pair you pick, install the Nothing X app on day one. It unlocks the equalizer, ANC customization, firmware updates, and ChatGPT features. That is where the real value lives. Pick the form factor that fits your lifestyle, match the price to your budget, and enjoy the ride.

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