The Nothing Ear Open headphones are below $100 for the first time

1 week ago 4

Sheena Vasani

writes about tech news, reviews gadgets, and helps readers save money by highlighting deals and product recommendations for The Verge.

If you want to stay alert while running or biking, the Nothing Ear Open are a worthwhile alternative to classic in-ear cans. That’s because the company’s first pair of open-style earbuds — which are now on sale at Nothing’s online storefront or Amazon for an all-time low $99 ($50 off) with a Prime membership — let you listen to music and podcasts while keeping tabs on traffic, pedestrians, and other potential hazards.

Nothing’s water-resistant earbuds use an over-the-ear hook to help them sit firmly in place, allowing them to securely rest just inside your ear instead of directly within the canal like a traditional pair of in-ears. Overall, they deliver solid audio quality thanks to a robust set of EQ options, and while bass performance can’t match that of modern in-ear models, their unique design helps reduce sound leakage. Each bud also comes with a pair of microphones and noise-canceling tech, so your calls come through clearer and less muddled.

In terms of battery life, the Ear Open charge via USB-C and deliver up to eight hours of playback, which is relatively good given their larger 14.2-millimeter drivers. They also support multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously, and offer a “Low Lag Mode” for gaming via Nothing’s companion app. And, if you’re a Nothing Phone owner, you get some nice extras, including ChatGPT integration.

Three more deals worth a look

If you’re looking for an alternative to Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller, the GuliKit ES Pro is on sale at Amazon for an all-time low of $25.49 (about $5 off). You can use the wireless gamepad to wake the Switch 2— a rare feature for a third-party controller — but it also works with both Windows and Android devices. It features anti-drift TMR joysticks, too, along with adjustable sensitivity settings and a swappable button layout for PC and Switch. Plus, its D-pad can toggle between four and eight-direction modes.
You can grab a copy of Assassin’s Creed Shadows for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X for $49.99 ($20 off) at Amazon, which matches its best price to date. Our reviewer Ash Parris isn’t usually into open-world games, but the latest title from Ubisoft won her over with its engaging characters, strong story, and stunning visuals of feudal Japan. This limited edition copy comes with both the game and some minor DLC, specifically extra weapons and gear for one of the game’s main protagonists. Read our review.
You can currently buy Epicka’s Universal Travel Adapter at Amazon in multiple colors for $17.99 ($5 off), which is its best price to date. The versatile adapter comes with four plug types, so you can use it in over 200 countries, including the UK, Japan, Italy, and more. It offers four USB-A ports, a single USB-C port, and one AC socket, letting you charge six devices simultaneously.