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- Best overall: Nothing Ear
- Best budget: CMF Buds
- Best premium: Nothing Ear
- Nothing Ear Open: Nothing Ear (stick)
- Nothing Ear (2) adds active noise cancellation and wireless charging; Nothing Ear (stick) has an open fit and no ANC.
- Nothing Ear (stick) has up to 29 hours of combined listening time, while Nothing Ear (2) reaches up to 36 hours with ANC off.
- Nothing Ear is the strongest all-round Nothing pick for listeners who want ANC, wireless charging and longer battery life.
- CMF Buds Pro 2 stands out for powerful noise cancellation and a dual-driver design.
- Choose based on fit and features first, then compare Black Friday 2026 listings for the exact model.
Nothing Ear (2) is the better choice for noise cancellation, while Nothing Ear (stick) suits listeners who prefer an open fit and up to 29 hours of total battery life. The key difference is simple: Nothing Ear (2) seals the ear and includes ANC, while Nothing Ear (stick) lets more outside sound in by design.
For this Black Friday 2026 guide, we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven Nothing and CMF earbuds. The lineup ranges from open-fit designs to noise-cancelling in-ear models, so the best choice depends on comfort, battery needs and the features you will use every day.
How We Picked
- Compared manufacturer-listed battery life for earbuds and charging cases, noting when figures depend on ANC being off.
- Prioritized fit type and ANC because those features create the largest day-to-day differences between these models.
- Checked driver configurations, water-resistance ratings, connectivity and wireless charging support.
- Reviewed owner feedback for recurring comments about comfort, controls, sound and call quality.
- Selected products across different budgets and use cases rather than treating the highest specification as the best fit for everyone.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | ANC | Battery life | Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing Ear (2) | ANC and wireless charging | Up to 40 dB | Up to 36 hours, ANC off | 11.6 mm |
| Nothing Ear (stick) | Open fit without silicone tips | No | Up to 29 hours | 12.6 mm |
| Nothing Ear | All-round ANC and wireless charging | Up to 45 dB | Up to 40.5 hours, ANC off | 11 mm |
| Nothing Ear (a) | Value-focused ANC | Up to 45 dB | Up to 42.5 hours, ANC off | 11 mm |
| CMF Buds Pro 2 | Dual drivers and strong ANC | Up to 50 dB | Up to 43 hours, ANC off | 11 mm + 6 mm |
| CMF Buds | Everyday ANC essentials | Up to 42 dB | Up to 42.5 hours, ANC off | 12.4 mm |
| Nothing Ear Open | Open-ear awareness | No | Up to 30 hours | 14.2 mm |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Nothing Ear (2)
The Nothing Ear (2) is the best upgrade from Nothing Ear (stick) for listeners who want ANC, with noise cancellation rated up to 40 dB. The in-ear fit, wireless charging and customisable sound make it a more feature-rich everyday option.
Best for: Listeners moving from open-fit earbuds to ANC
- Driver
- 11.6 mm
- ANC
- Up to 40 dB
- Battery life
- Up to 36 hours, ANC off
- Bluetooth
- 5.3
- ANC helps reduce steady background noise
- Supports wireless charging
- Personal sound profiles and app controls
- Sealed fit feels less airy than Nothing Ear (stick)
- Battery life falls to up to 22.5 hours with ANC on
Is the Nothing Ear (2) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nothing Ear (2) is worth considering for listeners who want in-ear ANC, wireless charging and customisable sound. The Nothing Ear (2)'s up-to-40 dB noise cancellation and 36-hour maximum combined battery life give it a more complete feature set than Nothing Ear (stick).
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#2
Nothing Ear (stick)
The Nothing Ear (stick) is the best open-fit pick for listeners who dislike silicone tips, with a 12.6 mm driver and up to 29 hours of combined battery life. The design keeps the ear canal open, but it does not include ANC.
Best for: Listeners who want an airy, open fit
- Driver
- 12.6 mm
- ANC
- No
- Battery life
- Up to 29 hours
- Bluetooth
- 5.2
- Open fit avoids silicone ear tips
- Up to 7 hours from the earbuds alone
- Distinctive rotating charging case
- No ANC for commutes or noisy rooms
- Open fit lets more surrounding sound through
Is the Nothing Ear (stick) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nothing Ear (stick) suits people who value an open, tip-free fit more than noise cancellation. The earbuds provide up to 7 hours per charge and up to 29 hours with the case, while the design stays less isolating than sealed in-ear earbuds.
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#3 · Top pick
Nothing Ear
The Nothing Ear is the best all-round Nothing earbud for listeners who want strong ANC and wireless charging, with cancellation rated up to 45 dB. The Nothing Ear's 11 mm driver and up to 40.5 hours of combined battery life make it a versatile step up.
Best for: Everyday listening with premium features
- Driver
- 11 mm
- ANC
- Up to 45 dB
- Battery life
- Up to 40.5 hours, ANC off
- Wireless charging
- Yes
- ANC strength exceeds Nothing Ear (2)'s listed rating
- Wireless charging and high-resolution audio support
- Up to 24 hours with ANC on
- Sealed tips are not as airy as an open-fit design
- More features than basic listeners need
Is Nothing Ear worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nothing Ear is a strong choice for listeners seeking ANC, wireless charging and adjustable sound in one model. The earbuds offer ANC rated up to 45 dB and up to 40.5 hours of combined listening with ANC off.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Nothing Ear (a)
The Nothing Ear (a) is the best value-focused ANC pick for listeners who want a long-lasting case, with up to 42.5 hours of combined battery life when ANC is off. The model keeps key noise-cancelling features while omitting wireless charging.
Best for: Value-focused listeners who want ANC
- Driver
- 11 mm
- ANC
- Up to 45 dB
- Battery life
- Up to 42.5 hours, ANC off
- Water resistance
- IP54 earbuds
- Strong ANC rating for a more accessible model
- Long combined battery life with ANC off
- Supports high-resolution LDAC audio
- Charging case does not support wireless charging
- ANC-on battery life is up to 24.5 hours combined
Is the Nothing Ear (a) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nothing Ear (a) is a sensible buy for listeners who want noise cancellation and long case-backed battery life without prioritising wireless charging. The Nothing Ear (a)'s ANC is rated up to 45 dB, and combined battery life reaches up to 42.5 hours with ANC off.
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#5
CMF Buds Pro 2
The CMF Buds Pro 2 is the best pick for listeners who want prominent ANC and a dual-driver setup, with noise cancellation rated up to 50 dB. An 11 mm bass driver and 6 mm tweeter handle different parts of the sound range.
Best for: Listeners who prioritise ANC and detailed sound
- Driver
- 11 mm + 6 mm
- ANC
- Up to 50 dB
- Battery life
- Up to 43 hours, ANC off
- Water resistance
- IP55 earbuds
- Dual drivers separate bass and treble duties
- Highest listed ANC rating in this guide
- Charging case includes a customisable dial
- The case does not support wireless charging
- Sound and controls benefit from app adjustment
Is the CMF Buds Pro 2 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. CMF Buds Pro 2 is worth a look for listeners who want strong ANC, adjustable controls and a dual-driver design. The earbuds pair an 11 mm driver with a 6 mm tweeter and provide up to 43 hours of combined battery life with ANC off.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
CMF Buds
The CMF Buds is the best straightforward budget-style pick for listeners who want ANC without premium extras, with a 12.4 mm driver and cancellation rated up to 42 dB. The CMF Buds's simple feature mix covers everyday listening and commuting.
Best for: Listeners seeking basic ANC and a simple feature set
- Driver
- 12.4 mm
- ANC
- Up to 42 dB
- Battery life
- Up to 42.5 hours, ANC off
- Water resistance
- IP54 earbuds
- ANC addresses everyday background noise
- Large driver supports a full sound profile
- Long combined battery life with ANC off
- Lacks wireless charging
- Less advanced feature set than Nothing Ear
Is the CMF Buds worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. CMF Buds is a practical option for listeners who want basic ANC, a large driver and long case-backed battery life. The earbuds have a 12.4 mm driver, ANC rated up to 42 dB and up to 42.5 hours of combined listening with ANC off.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Nothing Ear Open
The Nothing Ear Open is the best pick for listeners who need awareness of their surroundings, with a 14.2 mm driver in an open-ear design. The Nothing Ear Open's fit leaves the ear canal unobstructed, making it distinct from both Nothing Ear (2) and Nothing Ear (stick).
Best for: Outdoor listening and environmental awareness
- Driver
- 14.2 mm
- ANC
- No
- Battery life
- Up to 30 hours
- Water resistance
- IP54 earbuds
- Open-ear design keeps the ear canal clear
- Useful for listening while staying aware of surroundings
- Up to 8 hours per charge
- Does not provide ANC or passive ear sealing
- Less suitable for blocking nearby noise
Is the Nothing Ear Open worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nothing Ear Open is worth considering for listeners who want audio while keeping their ears unobstructed. The open-ear design uses a 14.2 mm driver and provides up to 30 hours of combined listening, but it does not include ANC.
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Which is better: Nothing Ear (2) or Nothing Ear (stick)?
Nothing Ear (2) offers silicone tips, ANC up to 40 dB and up to 36 hours of combined battery life with ANC off. Nothing Ear (stick) has an open, tip-free fit and up to 29 hours of battery life, but no ANC.
Choose Nothing Ear (2) for noise reduction and wireless charging; choose Nothing Ear (stick) for a less-isolating fit.
Which Nothing earbuds have the strongest ANC?
CMF Buds Pro 2 has the highest stated ANC rating here, up to 50 dB. Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a) reach up to 45 dB, while Nothing Ear (2) reaches up to 40 dB. Ratings are manufacturer specifications; fit also affects isolation.
Nothing Ear (stick) and Nothing Ear Open have no ANC. Their open designs suit listeners who want more awareness of their surroundings.
How do battery life and charging compare?
CMF Buds Pro 2 leads with up to 43 hours of combined battery life with ANC off. Nothing Ear (2) reaches up to 36 hours; Nothing Ear reaches up to 40.5 hours, and Nothing Ear (a) up to 45.5 hours.
With ANC on, Nothing Ear (a) is rated for up to 24.5 hours, Nothing Ear up to 24 hours and Nothing Ear (2) up to 22.5 hours. Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (2) support wireless charging; the other listed models use wired case charging.
Which earbuds are best for travel, work and outdoor listening?
For travel or noisy workspaces, consider Nothing Ear, Nothing Ear (a), Nothing Ear (2) or CMF Buds Pro 2, all of which have ANC. Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a) reach up to 45 dB ANC; check fit and microphone feedback for individual needs.
Nothing Ear Open leaves the ear canal unobstructed, while Nothing Ear (stick) has an open, less-isolating fit. Neither has ANC, making them options for outdoor listening when awareness matters.
Is Nothing Ear (2) a better Black Friday 2026 buy than newer options?
Nothing Ear (2) offers ANC up to 40 dB, wireless charging and up to 36 hours of combined battery life with ANC off. Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a) reach up to 45 dB ANC; Nothing Ear (a) has no wireless charging.
Check the full product name in listings. Nothing Ear (2), Nothing Ear (stick), Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a) are distinct models with different fits and features.
Buying Guide
Choose your fit before comparing features
Choose silicone tips for a sealed fit and ANC. Nothing Ear (stick) has an open fit; Nothing Ear Open leaves the ear canal unobstructed.
Match ANC to your listening environment
For travel and noisy rooms, compare Nothing Ear, Nothing Ear (a), Nothing Ear (2) and CMF Buds Pro 2. Open designs prioritise awareness over noise reduction.
Read battery figures by listening mode
Compare combined battery life with ANC on and off. Calls and high volume also affect runtime.
Check charging and durability details
Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (2) support wireless charging. Check water-resistance ratings for the earbuds and case separately.
Verify the exact model in a Black Friday listing
Confirm the full product name, case, colour and features. Similar names do not mean the models are interchangeable.
FAQ
What is the main difference between Nothing Ear (2) and Nothing Ear (stick)?
Nothing Ear (2) is a sealed in-ear model with ANC rated up to 40 dB and wireless charging. Nothing Ear (stick) has an open fit, no ANC and up to 29 hours of combined battery life. Choose based on whether isolation or an airy fit matters more.
Does Nothing Ear (stick) have noise cancellation?
No. Nothing Ear (stick) does not include active noise cancellation. Its open-fit design lets more surrounding sound reach the listener than sealed earbuds, making it a better match for people who dislike silicone tips or want an airy fit.
How long does the Nothing Ear (2) battery last?
Nothing Ear (2) is rated for up to 36 hours of combined listening with ANC off and up to 22.5 hours with ANC on. Actual listening time varies with settings, volume, calls and how often the earbuds return to the case.
Which Nothing earbuds are best for commuting?
Nothing Ear is the strongest all-round commuting choice in this guide, with ANC rated up to 45 dB and up to 40.5 hours of combined battery life with ANC off. Nothing Ear (a) and Nothing Ear (2) are alternatives with ANC.
Are CMF Buds Pro 2 better than Nothing Ear (2)?
CMF Buds Pro 2 has a higher stated ANC rating, up to 50 dB, and a dual-driver system. Nothing Ear (2) adds wireless charging and customisable sound. CMF suits ANC-focused buyers; Nothing Ear (2) suits listeners who value charging convenience.
Which earbuds in this guide have wireless charging?
Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (2) support wireless charging. Nothing Ear (a), CMF Buds Pro 2, CMF Buds, Nothing Ear (stick) and Nothing Ear Open do not list wireless charging as a feature, so check the exact product specification before purchase.