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- Best overall: Nothing Ear Black
- Best budget: Nothing Ear (a) Black
- Best premium: Nothing Headphone (1) Black
- Best for travel: Nothing Ear (a) Black
- Nothing Ear Black adds wireless charging and a ceramic driver; Nothing Ear (a) Black offers longer stated battery life.
- Nothing Ear (a) Black is the value-focused choice, with up to 45 dB of active noise cancellation.
- Nothing Headphone (1) Black is the over-ear pick, rated for up to 80 hours of playback with ANC off.
- CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 Dark Grey and CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Dark Grey offer feature-rich alternatives.
- Compare fit, battery figures, water-resistance ratings, and charging features before choosing a Black Friday 2026 audio pick.
Nothing Ear Black and Nothing Ear (a) Black are the central comparison for Black Friday 2026: both list 11 mm drivers and up to 45 dB of active noise cancellation, while Nothing Ear Black adds wireless charging and Nothing Ear (a) Black lists longer playback with ANC off. On paper, that makes the choice a trade-off between convenience and battery life rather than a simple upgrade.
We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven Nothing and CMF audio products. The guide explains which model suits commuting, long listening sessions, open-ear wear, and over-ear use, then gives each product a direct answer for shoppers comparing Black Friday options. Manufacturer battery and ANC figures are useful reference points, but fit, volume, audio codec, and listening mode affect everyday results.
How We Picked
- Compared stated driver sizes, noise-cancellation ratings, battery figures, and charging features across the seven products.
- Considered how each design fits its use case: sealed earbuds, open-ear listening, or over-ear headphones.
- Reviewed manufacturer specifications alongside owner feedback for recurring comments about comfort, controls, and everyday usability.
- Separated features that matter to different shoppers, including wireless charging, water resistance, multipoint connections, and long playback claims.
- Prioritized products with clear differences so shoppers can identify the right fit without relying on a single headline specification.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Driver | ANC rating | Playback, ANC off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing Ear Black | Premium features and wireless charging | 11 mm ceramic | Up to 45 dB | Up to 40.5 hours with case |
| Nothing Ear (a) Black | Value-focused commuting | 11 mm | Up to 45 dB | Up to 42.5 hours with case |
| Nothing Ear (open) White | Open-ear listening and awareness | 14.2 mm | Not applicable | Up to 30 hours with case |
| Nothing Ear (2) Black | Wireless charging in an alternative design | 11.6 mm | Up to 40 dB | Up to 22.5 hours with case |
| Nothing Headphone (1) Black | Over-ear comfort and long playback | 40 mm | Up to 45 dB | Up to 80 hours |
| CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 Dark Grey | Dual-driver sound and ANC | 11 mm + 6 mm | Up to 50 dB | Up to 43 hours with case |
| CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Dark Grey | Long stated battery life | 12 mm | Up to 50 dB | Up to 61.5 hours with case |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Nothing Ear Black
The Nothing Ear Black is the best premium true-wireless pick for listeners who want wireless charging and configurable sound. The Nothing Ear Black's 11 mm ceramic driver and ANC rating of up to 45 dB make it the more feature-rich choice in the main comparison.
Best for: Premium features and wireless charging
- Driver
- 11 mm ceramic
- ANC rating
- Up to 45 dB
- Playback, ANC off
- Up to 40.5 hours with case
- Water resistance
- IP54 earbuds
- Wireless charging adds a convenient way to top up the case.
- Personal sound profile and equalizer controls offer listening adjustments.
- Multipoint pairing supports connection to two devices.
- Stated total playback is shorter than Nothing Ear (a) Black with ANC off.
- The IP54 rating applies to the earbuds, not the charging case.
Is the Nothing Ear Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Nothing Ear Black is worth considering for shoppers who want wireless charging, customizable sound, and noise cancellation in one earbud set. The Nothing Ear Black's 11 mm ceramic driver and up to 45 dB ANC rating make it a strong premium choice; compare its shorter stated total playback with Nothing Ear (a) Black.
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#2
Nothing Ear (a) Black
The Nothing Ear (a) Black is the best value true-wireless pick for commuters who prioritize battery life and ANC. The Nothing Ear (a) Black's 11 mm driver, up to 45 dB ANC rating, and up to 42.5 hours of stated playback with the case cover the core features at a simpler level.
Best for: Value-focused commuting
- Driver
- 11 mm
- ANC rating
- Up to 45 dB
- Playback, ANC off
- Up to 42.5 hours with case
- Water resistance
- IP54 earbuds
- Longer stated total playback than Nothing Ear Black with ANC off.
- Adaptive ANC offers a choice of noise-control settings.
- Multipoint connection supports switching between two paired devices.
- Charging case does not support wireless charging.
- The case has a lower water-resistance rating than the earbuds.
Is the Nothing Ear (a) Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Nothing Ear (a) Black is worth buying for listeners who want strong core earbud features and longer stated playback without prioritizing wireless charging. The 11 mm drivers, up to 45 dB ANC rating, and up to 42.5 hours with the case make it the value pick in this comparison.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Nothing Ear (open) White
The Nothing Ear (open) White is the best open-ear pick for listeners who want to hear more of their surroundings while listening. The Nothing Ear (open) White's 14.2 mm driver and stated 30-hour total playback suit people who prefer an open design over sealed ear tips.
Best for: Open-ear listening and awareness
- Driver
- 14.2 mm
- Playback, single charge
- Up to 8 hours
- Playback, with case
- Up to 30 hours
- Water resistance
- IP54 earbuds
- Open-ear design leaves the ear canal unsealed.
- Stated 8-hour single-charge playback supports extended listening.
- IP54 earbuds suit everyday use around light splashes.
- Open-ear listening does not provide the isolation of sealed earbuds.
- Noise cancellation is not the core feature of this design.
Is the Nothing Ear (open) White worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Nothing Ear (open) White is worth considering if awareness of nearby sounds matters more than passive isolation. The Nothing Ear (open) White's open design, 14.2 mm drivers, and stated 30-hour playback with the case make it a distinct alternative to Nothing Ear Black and Nothing Ear (a) Black.
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#4
Nothing Ear (2) Black
The Nothing Ear (2) Black is the best pick for shoppers seeking wireless charging in a different Nothing earbud design. The Nothing Ear (2) Black's 11.6 mm drivers, ANC rated up to 40 dB, and wireless charging cover the key features without matching the newer main picks' stated ANC rating.
Best for: Wireless charging in an alternative design
- Driver
- 11.6 mm
- ANC rating
- Up to 40 dB
- Playback, ANC off
- Up to 22.5 hours with case
- Water resistance
- IP54 earbuds
- Wireless charging is built into the case.
- Personal sound profile supports a tailored listening setup.
- IP54 earbuds are designed for everyday splash exposure.
- Stated total playback is shorter than the other sealed-earbud picks here.
- ANC rating is lower than Nothing Ear Black and Nothing Ear (a) Black.
Is the Nothing Ear (2) Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Nothing Ear (2) Black is worth considering when wireless charging and a personalized sound profile top the shopping list. The Nothing Ear (2) Black's 11.6 mm drivers and up to 40 dB ANC provide a capable feature set, though its stated 22.5-hour total playback trails the longer-lasting alternatives here.
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#5
Nothing Headphone (1) Black
The Nothing Headphone (1) Black is the best over-ear pick for listeners who want long stated playback and strong noise control. The Nothing Headphone (1) Black's 40 mm drivers and up to 80 hours of playback with ANC off make it the endurance-focused option in this guide.
Best for: Over-ear comfort and long playback
- Driver
- 40 mm
- ANC rating
- Up to 45 dB
- Playback, ANC off
- Up to 80 hours
- Water resistance
- IP52
- Over-ear cushions provide an alternative to in-ear fit.
- Up to 80 hours of stated playback with ANC off.
- Supports high-resolution wireless audio through LDAC.
- Larger over-ear design is less compact than earbuds.
- IP52 protection is not a substitute for water-resistant sports gear.
Is the Nothing Headphone (1) Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Nothing Headphone (1) Black is worth considering for listeners who prefer an over-ear fit and long listening intervals. The Nothing Headphone (1) Black's 40 mm drivers, up to 45 dB ANC rating, and up to 80 hours of playback with ANC off distinguish it from the earbud picks.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 Dark Grey
The CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 Dark Grey is the best pick for feature-focused listeners who want a dual-driver earbud design. The CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 Dark Grey's 11 mm driver plus 6 mm tweeter and ANC rated up to 50 dB give it a different spec profile from the Nothing Ear models.
Best for: Dual-driver sound and ANC
- Drivers
- 11 mm + 6 mm
- ANC rating
- Up to 50 dB
- Playback, ANC off
- Up to 43 hours with case
- Water resistance
- IP55 earbuds
- Two driver sizes divide bass and higher-frequency duties.
- Case dial provides a physical control option.
- IP55 earbuds offer added dust and water protection.
- The charging case does not share the earbuds' IP55 rating.
- Sound and ANC results depend on fit and settings.
Is the CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 Dark Grey worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 Dark Grey is worth considering for shoppers who want a dual-driver design, case controls, and a high stated ANC figure. The CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 Dark Grey's 11 mm plus 6 mm drivers and up to 50 dB ANC rating separate it from the main Nothing Ear comparison.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Dark Grey
The CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Dark Grey is the best pick for listeners who prioritize long stated earbud battery life and strong ANC. The CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Dark Grey's 12 mm drivers, ANC rated up to 50 dB, and up to 61.5 hours with the case make it the battery standout here.
Best for: Long stated battery life
- Driver
- 12 mm
- ANC rating
- Up to 50 dB
- Playback, ANC off
- Up to 61.5 hours with case
- Water resistance
- IP55 earbuds
- The stated total playback figure leads the earbud options in this guide.
- ANC rating reaches up to 50 dB.
- IP55 earbuds add dust protection alongside water resistance.
- Long battery figures are manufacturer claims and vary with use.
- The case is larger than a simple earbud charging case.
Is the CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Dark Grey worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Dark Grey is worth considering for shoppers who value long stated playback and a high ANC rating. The CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Dark Grey's 12 mm drivers, up to 50 dB ANC, and up to 61.5 hours with the case make it the battery-focused earbud choice.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Nothing Ear vs Nothing Ear (a): which should you buy?
Nothing Ear Black and Nothing Ear (a) Black share 11 mm drivers, ANC up to 45 dB, and multipoint pairing. Choose Nothing Ear Black for wireless charging and sound personalization, or Nothing Ear (a) Black for longer case-inclusive playback: up to 42.5 hours with ANC off versus 40.5 hours.
Which Nothing earbuds have the strongest noise cancellation?
CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 Dark Grey and CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Dark Grey list ANC up to 50 dB; Nothing Ear Black and Nothing Ear (a) Black list up to 45 dB. Fit affects noise reduction. Nothing Ear (open) White leaves the ear canal unsealed for greater awareness.
Which model has the longest battery life?
Nothing Headphone (1) Black offers up to 80 hours with ANC off. Among the earbuds, CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Dark Grey leads with up to 61.5 hours including its case. Runtime varies with ANC, volume, calls, and codec; compare single-charge figures separately from case totals.
Are Nothing earbuds water-resistant?
Nothing Ear Black and Nothing Ear (a) Black have IP54-rated earbuds; CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 Dark Grey and CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Dark Grey have IP55-rated earbuds. Nothing Ear (open) White is rated IP54, and Nothing Headphone (1) Black is rated IP52. Case protection can differ. Water resistance does not make these products suitable for swimming.
Which Nothing audio product is best for travel?
Nothing Ear (a) Black pairs ANC up to 45 dB with up to 42.5 hours of case-inclusive playback and multipoint pairing. Pick Nothing Ear Black for wireless charging, Nothing Headphone (1) Black for over-ear comfort and long playback, or Nothing Ear (open) White to stay aware of your surroundings.
Buying Guide
Choose a fit before comparing features
Nothing Ear Black and Nothing Ear (a) Black are sealed earbuds; Nothing Ear (open) White has an open-ear design, and Nothing Headphone (1) Black is over-ear. Choose for comfort and preferred isolation.
Read battery figures carefully
With ANC off, Nothing Ear (a) Black lists up to 42.5 hours with its case, versus 40.5 hours for Nothing Ear Black. Distinguish case totals from single-charge playback.
Treat ANC ratings as one comparison point
CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 Dark Grey and CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Dark Grey list ANC up to 50 dB. Nothing Ear Black and Nothing Ear (a) Black list up to 45 dB. Fit and surroundings also matter.
Check durability and charging details
Nothing Ear Black supports wireless charging; Nothing Ear (a) Black does not. Check each product’s specifications for case protection.
Match controls and extras to daily use
CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 Dark Grey has a case dial, while Nothing Ear Black offers sound personalization. Choose extras you will use regularly.
FAQ
What is the main difference between Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a)?
Nothing Ear Black adds wireless charging and a ceramic driver, while Nothing Ear (a) Black lists up to 42.5 hours of playback with the case and ANC off. Both list 11 mm drivers and ANC rated up to 45 dB, so the choice centers on convenience versus longer stated battery life.
Does Nothing Ear (a) have wireless charging?
Nothing Ear (a) Black does not support wireless charging. Nothing Ear Black does, making it the better fit for shoppers who use a wireless charging pad. Both models support ANC and list up to 45 dB of noise cancellation, so charging is a clear feature distinction.
Which Nothing earbuds have the longest battery life?
CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Dark Grey lists up to 61.5 hours of playback with the case and ANC off, the longest earbud total in this guide. Nothing Ear (a) Black lists up to 42.5 hours, while actual runtime changes with volume, ANC, calls, and other settings.
Is Nothing Ear (open) suitable for commuting?
Nothing Ear (open) White can suit commutes where hearing surrounding sounds is useful, thanks to its open-ear design and stated 30-hour total playback. The open fit does not isolate outside noise like sealed ANC earbuds, so Nothing Ear (a) Black is a better match for noise reduction.
Which Nothing product is best for long listening sessions?
Nothing Headphone (1) Black is the over-ear choice, with up to 80 hours of playback when ANC is off. For earbuds, CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Dark Grey lists up to 61.5 hours with its case. Fit preference and ANC use affect which figure matters most.
Are the ANC numbers directly comparable between Nothing and CMF earbuds?
The listed maximums provide a useful reference: CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 Dark Grey and CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Dark Grey list up to 50 dB, while Nothing Ear Black and Nothing Ear (a) Black list up to 45 dB. Fit, seal, and surroundings still affect noise reduction.