Compare Nothing Headphone (a) vs Earfun Wave Pro X

Most reviewers find the sound enjoyable and impressively capable for the price, especially after a little EQ work. Critical listeners still hear some loss of refinement versus pricier models.

Sound quality ranges from exceptional value to disappointing stock performance, depending on the listener. The most common route to better results is reducing excess bass and adjusting vocal presence or treble with the powerful EQ.

Wear-detection performance is effectively absent because the headphones do not detect removal for automatic pausing.

Wear detection is absent, so there is no automatic response to removing or replacing the headphones. The omission disappoints users accustomed to this convenience.

The sound is lively and dynamic, with energetic playback that gives pop and electronic music plenty of momentum.

Punchy drums and textured low-end impact make these engaging for bass-driven music. Some listeners find the stock presentation too forceful or uncontrolled, so impact is best judged alongside EQ and tonal preferences.

The tuning lands between balanced and consumer-friendly V-shaped depending on the reviewer, with bass and treble emphasis keeping it from being truly neutral.

Stock tonal balance is the main point of disagreement: some hear a balanced, restrained presentation, while others hear excessive bass or uneven treble. Fine tuning often improves vocal presence and cohesion substantially.

Passive isolation can be quite effective with a good seal, but glasses or fit issues can weaken it noticeably.

A good seal can make these feel well isolated and preserve bass. Glasses or small head movements can break that seal for some wearers, while another finds the fit nearly perfect.

Bass is one of the most divisive traits: many enjoy its punch and sub-bass weight, while others find the default tuning boomy, muddy, or overly dominant.

Bass can deliver deep extension, punch, and good texture, but stock balance divides listeners sharply. Complaints focus on boominess and muddiness; EQ lets many listeners retain impact while reducing excess.

Background-noise suppression can be impressively strong, including traffic, fans, and wind in some tests, but other reviewers found the voice processing less reliable.

Speech isolation can work well, but demanding noise exposes limits. Some tests hear background sound leaking through or compressed speech, especially when the wearer speaks quietly.

ANC is widely considered good to very good for the price, especially on low-frequency travel noise. It usually trails premium Sony and Bose models and can let more voices or higher-frequency sounds through.

Low-frequency engine and transit noise is a consistent strength, while voices and unpredictable sounds are less uniformly suppressed. Some listeners report uncomfortable pressure at maximum fixed strength; adaptive modes can help.

Video use showed excellent sync in the tested cases, with reviewers reporting no noticeable Bluetooth lag during everyday playback and editing.

Several tests report no noticeable lip-sync delay, making these useful for video. Gaming mode helps, but one measurement still finds appreciable wireless latency after enabling it.

Soundstage impressions are mixed. Some hear a notably open or wider-than-expected presentation, while others find it close, narrow, or only average for closed-back headphones.

The presentation is usually intimate rather than open-back expansive. Some hear a pleasant medium-room space, while others find it boxed in; EQ or disabling ANC can improve openness.

Gaming performance is promising in the test that covered it, with clear positional cues and useful low-latency behavior.

Game sound can be immersive and enjoyable, including in a successful Nintendo Switch test. Wireless game mode reduces latency, but performance remains device-dependent and can fall short of an instant wired response.

Turning ANC or transparency on can subtly change the sound signature, most noticeably by adding some bass weight.

Some listeners hear little tonal change between ANC modes; others prefer the openness of ANC-off playback or need separate EQ profiles. Reports even differ on which mode adds bass.

ANC and transparency can slightly alter the tonal balance, especially by changing bass weight, but the effect is described as noticeable rather than disastrous.

ANC can make the presentation feel more closed-in, although some tests find sound quality essentially unchanged. Listeners who tune carefully may want to check their settings across modes.

Wind handling is inconsistent: some microphone tests suppress wind remarkably well, while another reviewer found wind routinely cut through during outdoor use.

Wind reduction can help significantly, but it usually reduces ANC strength and does not solve every call or transparency issue. Reports range from little wind trouble to obvious interference outdoors.

ANC itself avoids obvious hiss in one test, while another reviewer hears a moderate background hiss in the strongest mode.

ANC hiss draws different reactions: one listener notices slight white noise in a silent room, while another finds no added noise or pressure. Quiet-room sensitivity will affect how much this matters.

The presentation can feel immersive for music, even if the dedicated spatial processing is less consistently liked.

A console listening test finds game audio immersive and enjoyable. The appeal is the convincing headphone experience rather than a verified spatial-audio format.

The thin headband padding can create pressure on the top of the head during longer sessions.

Generous, soft headband padding distributes weight and reduces pressure points. It is generally comfortable, although one comparison finds the cushion rebound less plush than a rival.

One reviewer found the maximum loudness a little restrained and wanted a few more volume steps for very loud listening.

Most listeners approve of the ample volume headroom and seldom need the highest settings. That output is a usefulness judgment, while clean playback at maximum volume is a separate and more mixed question.

The cups rotate for around-the-neck wear, but one reviewer found the rectangular shells rub or knock together when rotated.

Cup articulation helps achieve a natural fit and lets the headphones rest flat around the neck. Several listeners appreciate the convenience of the rotation range.

Headband adjustment works, but multiple reviewers find the slider friction, top-mounted sizing, or general adjustment process fiddly.

Adjustment is praised for quickly returning to a preferred fit and accommodating large heads. Stepped or easily extended bands help avoid repeated fiddling.

The drawstring pouch is one of the most repeated complaints. Reviewers generally see it as flimsy or inadequate protection compared with a proper hard case.

A firm protective case is appreciated at this price and gives confidence in bags and luggage. Its large footprint, interior finish, and packing orientation draw occasional complaints.

The plastic-heavy construction does not feel flagship-premium, and multiple reviewers notice the downgrade in material luxury compared with the Headphone (1).

Fabric detailing, cup accents, and reassuring finish often make these look or feel more expensive than they are. Others see a primarily practical plastic design with limited luxury.

Repairability takes a hit because replacement ear cushions are not officially sold, limiting an obvious wear-part replacement path.

The detachable analog cable is praised as a way to avoid replacing the entire headset when a connector wears out. Perceived limits on replacing aging pads raise a separate upkeep concern.

Portability is a weak spot because the headphones do not fold inward and remain bulky in a bag, even though the cups can rotate flat.

Folding or swiveling makes the headphones easier to pack and carry. The supplied case is often larger than listeners would like, and descriptions of the folding behavior differ.

The design remains conspicuous rather than discreet. Reviewers who want headphones that blend in caution that these are intentionally attention-grabbing.

Subtle branding and restrained styling suit work and travel. The shiny outer cups are less appealing to listeners who prefer an entirely discreet finish.

The included cables are mostly praised as sturdy or high quality, although one reviewer questioned the strain relief.

The included USB cable is repeatedly criticized for being too short for comfortable wired listening or charging. A separate source praises the detachable analog cable for convenient handling.

IP52 is useful for sweat and light drizzle, but reviewers consistently caution that it is not protection for heavy rain or serious water exposure.

The absence of an IP rating limits confidence in rain, near water, or during sweaty workouts. This is a recurring use-case caveat despite favorable exercise comfort reports.

Once adjusted, the fit can stay securely in place while walking without unwanted shifting.

A balanced clamp holds well for many users, including some exercise tests. Other listeners warn that smaller heads or slight movements can produce looseness or a broken seal.

Fine detail is only average for the class: reviewers hear enough clarity for casual listening, but several note softer resolution and less precision than more expensive or hi-fi-oriented models.

Many listeners enjoy clear musical detail, especially after EQ or over a wired connection. Recessed presence and uneven treble can obscure information in stock tuning, and higher-end audiophile gear can retrieve finer textures.

Treble is often praised for crispness and detail, but several reviewers also report sibilance or abrasive upper frequencies on certain tracks.

Treble opinions are sharply divided between clear, smooth detail and harshness or sibilance. Parametric EQ is especially helpful for taming narrow peaks while restoring lower-treble presence.

Wear-detection auto-pause is missing, an omission reviewers consider surprising at this price.

Missing wear sensing is a recurring convenience complaint because removing the headphones does not pause playback. Some listeners accept the omission at this price, while others expect it in such a feature-rich model.

Even when pushed loud, the headphones were praised for staying composed rather than falling apart with obvious distortion.

Several listeners praise loud playback that stays clean and unstrained. One test hears occasional distortion on very bass-heavy tracks near the top of the volume range.

Automatic pause on removal is absent and repeatedly called out as a feature reviewers miss.

Automatic pausing when the headphones are removed is missing. Several listeners find manual pausing inconvenient, while others regard it as acceptable for the price.

The missing wear sensor is a clear hardware omission because the headphones cannot detect removal for automatic pause behavior.

The missing wear sensor is explicitly criticized as an everyday convenience gap. Buyers who expect automatic pause and resume may find it particularly noticeable.

Android pairing is especially smooth with Google Fast Pair, which worked seamlessly in the review test.

Google Fast Pair makes Android setup quick, and Android app operation is generally smooth. One source needed to forget and re-pair the headphones after a detection failure.

The 3.5mm input is genuinely useful for wired listening, including plane use while keeping ANC active.

The analog socket is a welcome option for flights and other wired sources, with ANC still available. Playback generally requires the headphones to be powered and charged.

The integrated microphone array can capture speech clearly in favorable conditions, although broader call-quality tests are more mixed.

The built-in microphone is usually usable for ordinary conversations, but assessments range from excellent to disappointing. Quiet rooms are more forgiving than busy streets, crowds, or wind.

The preset options are useful starting points, with Balanced often taming excess bass and the bass-focused modes appealing more to listeners who want extra low-end weight.

Some presets and personalized profiles make the sound more open or better suited to a listener. Others struggle to distinguish the choices or encounter bugs and ineffective automatic results.

The large ear cushions provide plentiful padding and enough room to keep ears from feeling cramped.

Deep, soft pads usually provide comfortable ear clearance, including for larger ears. Some listeners still make slight contact or find the synthetic covering warm and insufficiently breathable.

Glasses compatibility depends on fit: one reviewer found little pressure on glasses, another found them comfortable over spectacles, while seal loss bothered a different tester.

Several glasses wearers report comfortable clamp and soft cushions without temple pressure. Thicker frame arms can weaken the seal and reduce bass response.

The feature set works well across Android and iPhone, making the headphones a strong cross-platform option rather than a single-ecosystem accessory.

The varied wired and wireless paths work well across phones and computers, with a favorable Nintendo Switch demonstration. Codec availability still depends on the source device.

The ear cushions cannot officially be replaced, which is a meaningful long-term ownership drawback.

One source regards the inability to replace aging pads as a downside. That concern is about upkeep rather than a demonstrated long-term failure.

The pads are not officially replaceable, and reviewers specifically note that Nothing does not sell replacement cushions.

Replaceable cushioning is desirable for keeping the headphones useful as pad coverings age. One source criticizes perceived replacement limitations; another only speculates about possible replacements.

USB-C is especially useful because it handles both charging and digital audio while retaining physical-control functionality in the tested setup.

USB-C audio is a useful wired option that retains ANC and can support microphone use or charging. Control over charging helps avoid draining a connected phone, while the short included cable may need replacing.

Connectivity is unusually versatile, combining Bluetooth with USB-C digital audio and a 3.5mm wired option.

Bluetooth, USB audio, and an analog socket make these unusually flexible for work, travel, and everyday listening. Wired ANC is especially useful when Bluetooth is unavailable.

USB-C high-resolution playback can add a small improvement in separation and detail, though the reviewer considered the difference minor.

USB digital playback is praised for practical computer use and, in one comparison, cleaner definition than Bluetooth. Retaining ANC and offering control over USB charging make the wired path particularly useful.

Transparency is usable for conversation and awareness, but opinions range from natural and effective to boxy, dark, or slightly artificial.

Transparency often sounds clear and natural enough for conversation, and some tests rate it exceptionally highly. Persistent hiss, processed tones, wind, and loud microphone rubbing affect other listeners.

Imaging is strong enough for positional gaming cues such as footsteps and gunshots to come through clearly.

Instrument placement is generally clear and stable within a fairly intimate stage. EQ can improve apparent depth, while some comparisons still favor rivals for layering and spatial precision.

Instrument separation is usually described as clean and easy to follow, though it does not consistently reach the layering precision of more audiophile-focused rivals.

Many listeners can follow vocals and individual instruments clearly, especially after tuning. Dense tracks and excessive stock bass can still crowd the midrange or blur the arrangement.

Vocals and mids are generally clear and well controlled, though a few reviewers hear recessed body or odd upper-mid emphasis in the stock tuning.

Vocal body and natural instrumental tone draw frequent praise. Recessed presence, shoutiness, and occasional congestion divide listeners, with EQ often bringing voices into a better position.

The included cables make a positive impression, with one reviewer specifically surprised by their high quality.

The included hard case and tidy packaging are frequently appreciated at this price. They make the accessory package feel more complete without requiring an extra case purchase.

Overall sentiment is strongly positive, although not unanimous. Most of the explicit satisfaction comments are enthusiastic, while one reviewer remains clearly lukewarm on the sound.

Overall reactions lean positive, with several listeners adopting these as daily headphones. Sound preferences and call expectations explain much of the less enthusiastic feedback.

The overall recommendation is strongly positive: reviewers repeatedly call these an easy recommendation, a great pick, or a no-brainer in their price class.

Most sources recommend these for buyers who value battery life, comfort, and extensive tuning at a modest price. The strongest endorsements often depend on using EQ rather than accepting the stock sound.

Travel use benefits from the huge battery and competent ANC, with reviewers reporting comfortable multi-hour or flight use in favorable fits.

Low weight, long battery life, protective storage, and wired ANC suit flights and commutes. Case bulk and noise transmitted while walking are practical caveats.

LDAC can produce a cleaner, clearer presentation than standard AAC on compatible devices, and reviewers value seeing it at this price.

LDAC is welcomed as a high-quality wireless option, and several tests report stable high-bitrate playback. Source support and multipoint restrictions determine whether it fits a particular setup.

Clamping force is a recurring comfort concern. Some find the grip secure and well judged, but several describe it as too firm during extended wear.

A light-to-moderate clamp usually avoids pressure and supports long sessions. The tradeoff is that some smaller heads may find the fit less secure during exercise.

At roughly 310g, the headphones are lighter than their predecessor but still heavier than many rivals, so some reviewers remain aware of the weight over time.

Low weight is repeatedly praised for making the headphones unobtrusive and comfortable through long sessions. Some listeners nevertheless prefer a more substantial-feeling structure.

Early durability impressions are positive, including flexible headbands, a sturdier feel, and one harsh accidental-impact test that left no visible mark.

Short-term handling reports are reassuring, and upgraded structural elements are viewed favorably. Concern about pad-cover wear remains, with little long-term ownership testing available.

Long-session comfort is highly head-dependent. Many reviewers wore them for hours or flights comfortably, while others needed breaks because of pressure, weight, or heat.

Long-session comfort is one of the most consistent reasons to buy, with several reports of hours of wear without pain. Individual head size, heat sensitivity, and the need for occasional adjustment still matter.

The retro-futuristic, transparent styling earns substantial praise for being distinctive and fashion-forward. It is deliberately bold, so buyers who prefer conventional headphones may not share that enthusiasm.

The fabric headband, cleaner seams, and metal-looking accents often create a more refined appearance than the price suggests. Glossy cups, limited color choice, and a broad silhouette are less universally liked.

The revised swivel hinges were specifically described as sturdier than the predecessor's.

Smooth folding and rotation, with less creaking than the predecessor, are reassuring in everyday handling. These favorable first impressions do not establish years of hinge durability.

Despite the move to more plastic, build quality is generally rated as sturdy and better than the price suggests. The construction feels less luxurious than flagship models but not broadly flimsy.

Smooth joints, reassuring materials, and low weight usually make construction feel good for the price. A few listeners find the structure less substantial than they would prefer.

Setup is consistently easy, with quick pairing and straightforward first-use behavior across the reviews that tested it directly.

Initial pairing and the basic app layout are usually straightforward. Professional EQ and the abundance of noise-control choices can require more learning and patience.

There is no automatic Smart Pause when the headphones are removed, and reviewers explicitly criticize that omission.

Removing the headphones does not automatically pause playback, which several listeners find inconvenient. Some accept manual pausing as a reasonable price compromise.

The smart feature set is broad and potentially useful, though one reviewer questions how often extras such as AI-oriented functions will matter in everyday listening.

Ambient listening and automatic media-volume reduction help with quick conversations without removing the headphones. Adaptive cancellation also responds usefully to changing surroundings, though mode choices can be confusing.

Call quality is inconsistent across tests. Some reviewers hear clear, usable speech, while others report muffling, compression, or poor intelligibility in noisier conditions.

Routine calls often sound clear and natural, and some recipients do not notice a headset is being used. Other tests find regression from the predecessor or weaker clarity in crowds and wind.

Mode-change audio cues are exceptionally clear and avoid the ambiguity or annoying spoken prompts found on some headphones.

Clear spoken prompts and optional mute reminders make status easy to understand. Being able to adjust or disable feedback improves control over interruptions.

The Roller, Paddle, and physical buttons are one of the strongest points of agreement. Reviewers repeatedly call them intuitive, tactile, distinctive, and easier to use than touch controls.

Physical buttons receive consistent praise for tactile feedback and avoiding accidental touches. Customization and call-mute shortcuts are useful, though layout preferences and missing shortcuts vary by listener.

Bluetooth performance is a strength in the positive tests, with rock-solid connections, seamless switching, and no noticeable lag reported.

Pairing, range, and ordinary playback are usually reliable, with several successful demanding connection tests. Isolated pairing failures and an inability to pull a connection from a previously paired device temper that picture.

Nothing X is repeatedly praised as a clean, fast, capable companion app with unusually deep control over sound and headphone behavior.

The companion app earns broad praise for useful controls and unusually deep tuning. Personalized sound, account-gated tools, and awkward EQ profile editing are the main complaints.

The headphones pack in a broad modern feature set, and reviewers who discuss the software breadth consider it unusually rich for the price.

Professional EQ, live SoundSense tuning, call controls, and other extras give enthusiasts substantial freedom. The abundance of choices and rough edges in profile editing can complicate everyday use.

The advanced EQ is a standout feature, offering unusually deep frequency and Q-factor control for wireless headphones. It can substantially improve the stock tuning, though a few reviewers find it fiddly or constrained.

The ten-band parametric EQ is a defining strength, allowing precise correction of bass, vocal presence, and narrow treble peaks. Its results are excellent for many listeners, but the interface and profile-saving workflow take patience.

The dedicated assistant control is appreciated as a convenient physical shortcut by the reviewer who discussed it.

Assigning a voice-assistant shortcut to a button makes access convenient without reopening the app. The positive assessment concerns customizable control access.

Codec support is useful but not exhaustive: LDAC is a welcome inclusion at this price, while one reviewer wished Qualcomm codecs were also available.

Codec breadth is a standout advantage, combining aptX options, LDAC, and newer LE Audio paths. This gives buyers more connection choices than many budget and premium alternatives.

Multipoint is generally easy and reliable once enabled, with reviewers praising quick switching between a phone and laptop or other paired devices.

Two-device switching is usually convenient for moving between a phone and computer. LDAC restrictions and occasional interruptions when another device resumes playback are the main tradeoffs.

Value is a major strength across the review set. Reviewers repeatedly say the $199/£149 positioning delivers unusually strong battery, controls, features, and sound for the money.

The strongest value argument combines long endurance, comfort, extensive codecs, and unusually powerful EQ around the supplied $130 price. Sound refinement and convenience still trail premium alternatives for some listeners.

Heat buildup is a recurring comfort weakness. The synthetic pads and closed design can make ears or the sides of the head warm, especially during longer sessions or workouts.

Heat management depends on the wearer and conditions: some stay comfortable and dry for hours, while others find the synthetic pads warm or stuffy. Active use and warm weather make ventilation more consequential.

Fast charging is excellent: several reviewers highlight that just a few minutes on USB-C can provide hours of playback.

Quick top-ups and simultaneous USB listening and charging are useful. One test gets only four to five playback hours from a fifteen-minute charge, and another notes that charging interrupts Bluetooth use.

Battery life is the clearest consensus strength. Reviewers repeatedly call the 75-hour ANC figure and roughly 135-hour maximum class-leading, with real-world use generally supporting the claim.

Long endurance is one of the clearest strengths, with up to ninety hours without ANC and fifty with it frequently praised. Real-use reports are broadly positive, though some fall short of the advertised figures.

Translation works successfully in the reported demonstrations, including face-to-face and real-time modes. Having it inside the companion app is convenient for people who use this function.

The aptX options expand the choice of high-quality wireless paths, and tested connections can maintain reliable playback. Their usefulness depends on what the source device supports.

PCMag awarded the headphones its Editors' Choice for midrange noise-cancelling headphones.

A detachable analog cable is appreciated because a worn connector need not mean replacing the headphones. That practical design choice supports easier maintenance.

Nothing-phone integration adds extra shortcuts such as Channel Hop, but some functions work best inside Nothing’s own ecosystem rather than equally across Android devices.

Frequent early updates added useful EQ capability, which is encouraging. Other listeners still regard longer-term software support as something to watch.

Volume limits and hearing-health controls are valued as practical ways to avoid unnecessarily loud listening. The explicit endorsement centers on protecting hearing rather than merely offering high output.

Hearing your own voice through ambient monitoring makes calls feel more natural and reduces the urge to shout. The ability to control this behavior in the app is appreciated.

The glossy black finish can collect fingerprints and dust extremely quickly.

One unboxing report finds a noticeable plastic odor that takes about a week of ventilation to fade. This is an initial-use nuisance rather than a demonstrated recurring problem across owners.

Xbox use is only partial: wired game audio works, but the reviewer could not get the headset microphones to function through the controller setup.

Auracast is valued as a way into shared and public audio broadcasts. Its immediate usefulness depends on compatible sources and venues rather than headphone support alone.

The automatic shutdown timer is useful in principle, but one source wants a shorter minimum than thirty minutes. Its flexibility is the specific concern rather than failed shutdown behavior.

The newer Bluetooth platform is welcomed as part of a substantially expanded wireless stack. The benefit comes alongside broader codec and LE Audio support rather than version numbers alone.

Walking can transmit noticeable thumps through the cups and frame, especially without music. This is a comfort drawback for quiet walks rather than seated listening.

LE Audio readiness adds a valued route to modern codecs and broadcast listening. Compatible devices and growing broadcast adoption remain important to its practical payoff.

Sound leakage is context-dependent: two reviewers noticed some bleed at louder levels, while another found virtually none.

Spatial modes are mostly a mixed-to-negative extra: several reviewers hear hollow, processed, or echoey results, while a minority find the Concert effect useful for expanding the presentation.