Nothing Ear (a) Black
Score: 81/100
Truefree HD-100
Score: 73/100Rankings
The Nothing Ear (a) are lightweight true-wireless earbuds offering up to 42.5 hours of total playback and 45 dB hybrid ANC. They lack wireless charging and the microphones are mediocre, leading to occasional call quality issues. Ideal for budget-conscious users who value long battery life and customizable EQ.
The Truefree HD-100 is a neckband-style true wireless earphone offering 11 mm dual-magnetic drivers and up to 20 hours of playback with fast-charge capability. Its bulkier neckband design and lack of wireless charging limit its portability. Ideal for active athletes and gamers who value low latency and robust water resistance.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
42.5 hoursbest | 20 hours | |
9.5 hoursbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 60 minutesbest | — |
11 mmbest | 11 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 10 minutesbest | 10 minutesbest |
5,000 Hzbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 59.6 gbest | 99.8 g |
6best | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(2) | ||
IP Rating | IP54 | IP67 |
Total Weight (Earbuds + Case) (g) | 59.6 g | 99.8 g |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (Total with Case) (hours) | 42.5 hours | 20 hours |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 6.0 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Ear (a) for delivering premium-level sound quality, a sophisticated adaptive ANC system, and a highly customizable app, all at a sub-$100 price point. They also note the low harmonic distortion and rapid charging as standout technical achievements, while pointing out the need for manual Fast Pair reconnections and the relatively modest microphone performance.
Everyday users love the earbuds' sleek transparent design, strong ANC for the price, lightweight comfort, and the long battery life provided by the case. Common frustrations revolve around occasional connectivity hiccups with iPhones, the need to re-pair after device power cycles, and the earbuds' microphone not being as clear as desired.
