After the TWS earbuds and over-ear headphones, Nothing has launched an open-ear design wireless earphone called the Nothing Ear (Open) in India. It is priced at Rs 17,999, but for an introductory period, you can grab it for Rs 9,999 on Flipkart. By design, these earbuds don’t insert into the ear cavity. Rather, it sits above the ear without sealing the ear canal. It is a design that naturally brings both benefits and compromises. While this approach is not entirely new in the audio market, it is still uncommon compared to mainstream designs. So, when I began using the Ear (Open), I knew what I was signing up for. But after a few days of real-world use, I understand why this type of product makes sense for certain people, and why others may find it hard to accept. In this piece, I will share some of my initial impressions regarding the Ear (Open) design.
SurveyWhy the open-ear design works
First of all, the Ear (Open)’s design carries the signature faux transparent look that’s found on the company’s other products. It is a head-turner for sure. People have come to me asking how the product is, and this design has played a part in attracting them.
However, the biggest positive of this design is for ear health. Traditional in-ear designs can become fatiguing over long hours of listening. Personally, I’ve noticed that extended use makes high-frequency sounds, like vehicle horns, feel sharper and more uncomfortable. With the Ear (Open), that problem doesn’t arise.
Furthermore, I think open-ear design could allow better air circulation and also help reduce pressure on the eardrum, which can lower the risk of hearing damage and associated risk of tinnitus from loud music.
There’s also the matter of comfort. If your ears tend to get sweaty or irritated by in-ear earbuds, an open design avoids those issues altogether. This comfort could also encourage users to keep the volume at safer levels, further mitigating the risk of ear damage.
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The ear hooks keep the device secure, making it a good companion for gyms or outdoor sports where you also need ambient awareness. Even for commuting or office use, it helps to stay tuned into your surroundings. Say, you are in the metro and don’t want to miss your station announcement. And when you are working in your office, you don’t want to miss what your colleagues are saying or if somebody’s calling you.
Another neat design choice is the pinch-based control system. A single pinch on either stem plays or pauses music and answers or ends calls. Double pinch skips to the next track or rejects a call, while triple pinch goes back to the previous track. You can also pinch and hold to adjust the volume. Because it uses a pinch instead of a simple touch, it avoids accidental triggers.
So, I find the Ear (Open)’s design to be not just about form, but also function. Its lightweight body and Nothing’s familiar transparent aesthetic add to the appeal.
The compromises you must accept
However, the design has some downsides. It rests loosely on the ear, so users accustomed to the secure fit of in-ear or traditional headphones may find it awkward or slightly unsettling.
The light build can feel a little flimsy. The case scratches easily, which raises questions about long-term durability.
Because of the open-ear design, some sound does leak out. But, only people standing very close can hear it, and that too at high volumes. The design also reduces overall volume and low-end punch compared to in-ear buds, which could disappoint users seeking a fuller audio experience.
Then there’s the price. At Rs 17,999, the Ear (Open) demands more than casual acceptance of its quirks. Buyers will naturally weigh it against in-ear earbuds that deliver fuller sound, better fit and sturdier cases.
Final thoughts
Nothing, in its usual fashion, focuses on design as much as performance. The Nothing Ear (Open) is a thoughtful addition to the wireless audio space, addressing issues many users overlook, such as ear fatigue and discomfort during workouts. The design, however, involves trade-offs in sound, which we will explore in our full review. There are other minor qualms, too.
But, after using it for some time, I find the balance between design and audio makes sense for some. This product is aimed at a specific audience, and for others, Nothing’s other earbuds might be a better fit. Well, that’s my initial impression. I will be testing the earbuds in depth. So, stay tuned for the review!
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G. S. Vasan
G.S. Vasan is the chief copy editor at Digit, where he leads coverage of TVs and audio. His work spans reviews, news, features, and maintaining key content pages. Before joining Digit, he worked with publications like Smartprix and 91mobiles, bringing over six years of experience in tech journalism. His articles reflect both his expertise and passion for technology. View Full Profile
