We know Nothing has style, but can it beat OnePlus’ substance?
There are so many wireless earbuds. No, for real. As someone who tests out earbuds on a very regular basis, I can tell you firsthand just how crowded the market is. That’s fine if you’re easy and just want a pair of AirPods, but for anyone who wants to dig deeper into what’s out there—whether for design or compatibility reasons—a crowded field makes research a nightmare. And that research headache doubles when two pairs of earbuds are similarly priced.
Luckily, as someone who has used entirely too many pairs of earbuds, I’m here to help you sort through a crowded field that includes two pairs that may already be on your radar: the $130 OnePlus Buds 4 and the $150 Nothing Ear. While both of these pairs are similarly priced, there are some key differences that you might want to keep in mind before you pull the trigger—and it’s not just the look, either. Here’s my breakdown of which pair takes the cake, from one wireless earbud nerd to another.OnePlus Buds 4 vs. Nothing Ear: Design
While this may be obvious, these two pairs of earbuds look very different. That’s not surprising since Nothing has built a lot of its company around differentiating itself with see-through design, but it’s worth noting nonetheless.
Just like my AirPods Max vs. Headphone 1 comparison, the battle between the OnePlus Buds 4 and Nothing Ear is a fight between minimalism and distinct aesthetics. Which one appeals to you is very subjective, but if you’re in the market for the latter, then the Nothing Ear will likely be your frontrunner here. Like Nothing’s previous wireless earbuds, the Nothing Ear incorporates a transparent design that showcases some internal components. It’s subtle but definitely sets the earbuds apart from a sea of AirPods and AirPods lookalikes. I personally love the emphasis on transparency, which evokes old Game Boys and those see-through LAN lines kids in the ’90s had in their bedrooms. With that said, style mileage (styleage?) may vary depending on your taste.
The OnePlus Buds 4, while I criticized them for looking boring, may appeal to the more minimalist-minded. They’re sleek and smooth and very unlikely to stand out when you’re wearing them, which is a benefit depending on what you’re looking for. If you want something flashier, Nothing Ear is the clear winner. If you want wireless earbuds that fade into the background, the OnePlus Buds 4 win. I personally give Nothing points here for trying something new that also feels stylish and not obtuse, so the Ear wins this round. Sorry, OnePlus, but you’ve got to give me something if you’re going to beat Nothing.OnePlus Buds 4 vs. Nothing Ear: Sound
In wireless earbuds, like in life, looks only get you so far. Probably (hopefully) a big factor in your decision to buy one pair over another will be sound. This is where things get interesting. While there’s not a huge difference out of the box for these two pairs of earbuds, each company puts its own spin on the software side of things that makes a noticeable difference.
Sound-wise, the OnePlus Buds 4 deliver quality, especially when it comes to bass.
