Nothing’s Ear (Stick) Bluetooth Earbuds Arrive on Nov. 4 for $99

Nothing, the startup from OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, is back with new earbuds that go on sale Nov. 4 for $99. 

The Ear (stick) follows Nothing’s first product, the Ear (1), a pair of noise-cancelling headphones that will get a price bump to $149 starting today.  

So how is the Ear (stick) different? There’s no active noise-cancellation or silicone eartips for a more customizable fit. However, Nothing says the new product still comes with some advanced features, along with a unique, tube-shaped case that twists open, revealing the earbuds inside. 

Ear (1) on the left and new Ear (stick) on the right
(Credit: Nothing)

The “half-in ear” design on the Ear (stick) eliminates the silicone ear tips to make them more comfortable for a larger number of users, the company said in a video(Opens in a new window). The goal was to “make something you could wear all day, and not feel them,” a Nothing representative added. 

Nothing also says the Ear (stick) is smaller in volume, and lighter than Ear (1) when both earbuds are packed inside their cases. The tube-shaped case, which was inspired by lipstick silhouettes, should also make the earbuds easier to carry in a pocket. 

(Credit: Nothing)

When it comes to sound, the Ear (stick) features a custom 12.6mm dynamic driver, which is slightly larger than the 11.6mm driver in Ear (1).

“At 12.6mm, it is large enough to deliver rich depths, clear highs and bold details, while still being small enough for a comfortable fit,” the company says. “By using the highest grade driver magnets in the market, and strengthening the diaphragm, the sound quality stays consistent even at the highest and lowest frequencies for a powerfully true-to-life sound experience.” 

(Credit: Nothing)

To produce the right bass levels, the product taps software to measure the user’s ear canal shape and the amount of bass leaking while the earbuds are worn. The product will then retune the audio for the optimal, consistent bass levels. Customers can also customize the bass, treble, and voice levels through an equalizer setting for Ear (stick) via a smartphone app.  

The earbuds also contain three high-definition microphones, which can work with software algorithms to reduce ambient noise from intruding in your calls.  

Another notable change is how the Ear (stick)’s antenna has been moved further away from stem for a stronger Bluetooth signal. In addition, the new Ear (stick) has physical buttons on the stems, so you can control the volume, pause, play or activate your phone’s voice assistant through customizable controls.

(Credit: Nothing)

The earbuds can offer up to 7 hours of listening time, and 3 hours of talk time, on a single charge. The case can then add another 22 hours of charge when used for listening, and also contains fast-charging, delivering 2 hours of extra listening time in just 10 minutes of charging. 

The company is taking pre-orders for the Ear (stick) on its website(Opens in a new window). Stay tuned for our review.