Apple's AirPods 3 might be the best general-purpose wireless earbuds currently available. They sound phenomenal for ones without silicon tips that don't create a seal. They're lightweight and effortless to wear for hours. The new Nothing Ear (stick) earbuds don't beat the $179 AirPods 3, but they do come close—for a lot less money.
As a quick refresher, Nothing is a technology and electronics company from the founder of OnePlus. So far it has released Ear (1) earbuds (with ANC), and it has dabbled with Phone (1), which isn't available in the U.S. yet. Its third product is the Ear (stick) earbuds, which don't have active noise canceling and don't have wireless charging but do retail for $99.
It's not odd that Nothing introduced its higher-end ANC earbuds first, but it means that there are fewer features to discuss. What is exciting is how everything these wireless earbuds do is executed almost flawlessly.
TL;DR
Pros:
- Comfortable fit and lightweight feel
- Excellent audio clarity
- Convenient pressure-sensitive controls
- 7-hour listening time, 29 hours with the case
Cons:
- No wireless charging on the case
- Case is a tiny bit bulky in a front pocket
Buy at Nothing.
The Sound of Ear (Stick)
Although there are a few compelling parts of the Ear (stick) earbuds, the primary reason for buying them should probably be the audio quality. The good news is that they do sound excellent overall. Their 12.6-millimeter drivers have an even frequency response throughout the midrange and exceptional clarity for vocals.
Directly compared with AirPods 3, the bass and low end aren't quite as full with the same resonance, but there's certainly enough bass here to be pleasing—and not hollow. If you don't like the default sound profile the EQ can be adjusted.
Call quality was better than with most other earbuds in a similar price range. I could hear the person at the end of the line very clearly. Equally as encouraging was the sound of my voice when I tested the microphone.
Beyond playing through several different genres of songs to test the music quality, I spent some time with the Ear (stick) listening to the alternative band the Lighthouse and the Whaler. The song "Stay With Me" provided a good example of the exceptional clarity the earbuds possess. Throughout the verse and chorus, the kick drum pounded a driving beat while the strums of a guitar were detailed behind an electric lead guitar.
Ear (Stick) Extras
Not only do Ear (stick) sound good, but the details of the product are pitch-perfect. The fit is comfortable, the controls work well, and the case isn't annoying. These are the things that actually make Ear (stick) worth using day in and day out.
Again, to clarify, these earbuds don't have silicone tips, so they're a one size fits all product. I personally don't need ANC daily, so I often prefer the relaxed fit of these types of earbuds that rest in the ear rather than get pressed in more tightly. They are featherlight for long listening sessions. Each Ear (stick) weighs 4.4 grams, which almost matches the AirPod 3 weight of 4.28 grams each.
By far the worst part of this product is its name. Even my 9-year-old daughter rolled her eyes when I told her what these earbuds are called. The stick isn't particularly visible, so I don't quite understand calling it out. But the stem, or stick, is important because it's where the pressure-sensitive controls reside.
The media controls worked really well for me. Squeeze the stem once to play or pause music. A double press will skip forward, while three times will go back. Pressing and holding the right stem will raise the volume, and doing so on the left one will lower the volume. I have concerns about not mirroring media controls on each earbud because sometimes I only use one at a time, but I do like having volume available without reaching for my phone.
A lot of people will focus on the case, despite its being the least important part of how the earbuds work and sound. Instead of a kind of cube shape that opens with a hinge, it's a cylinder that twists. It's unique and neat. Best of all, the case's playful design does not inhibit its functionality.
The lack of wireless charging would have been more obvious with a traditional case, but with this new design, it becomes less of a focus. Hold the red twisting knob of the case in your right hand so the right earbud with its matching red dot will fit directly in on the same side. The left earbud (white dot) sits adjacent.
Should You Buy Nothing Ear (Stick)?
This shouldn't come as a shock, but Ear (stick) are not the best earbuds on the market. Frankly, they're not supposed to be. What they are supposed to be are really good wireless earbuds at an affordable price. And they nail that goal, 100 percent.
If the $179 retail price of AirPods 3 is too high or you're not using an iPhone, these are the wireless earbuds to get. Even if you are using an iPhone, these are a serious contender to save yourself some money. If you're considering the AirPods 2, pick Ear (stick) instead.
Buy at Nothing for $99.
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Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Tyler Hayes is a product reviewer for Newsweek. He has contributed extensively to WIRED, The New York Times, Fast Company, ... Read more
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