Like the entry-level Apple AirPods ($179), the Nothing Ear (stick) earbuds ($99.99) rest against your ear canal rather than in it. This means they fit less securely than we like and allow some sound leakage. Despite the inherent drawbacks of this style, the Ear (stick) sound excellent for sub-$100 earphones of any stripe, with clear, detailed audio that manages to offer a good sense of bass even without a tight seal. Plus, with a cool transparent design, they're the most interesting-looking earbuds you're likely to see. This earns the Nothing Ear (stick) our Editors’ Choice for true wireless earbuds.Slick Look, Decent Fit The Ear (stick)'s earpieces are striking, thanks to their transparent-plastic stems that cover dark plastic and metal components. The outward-facing sides of the stems look gray, but the inner-facing sides display some of the earphones’ interior circuitry. Metal panels on the upper edge of the stems serve as squeeze-sensitive controls. White and red dots where th...
The Nothing Ear (stick) on-ear buds sound better than most other similar-style earphones—and are more interesting to look at.
Clear, detailed sound; Unique, attractive design; Better fit than most on-ear earbuds
Sensitive control panel easy to toggle; Mediocre mic