Form 1099-NEC can be reported as other income. But, you are correct, it is more appropriate to associate nonemployee compensation with Schedule C and pay the required SE, self-employment, tax.
It would not come out the same if there were no expenses because when it is categorized as Other Income, it is taxed differently. Sometimes people receive income and it is not from a trade or business or an intent to earn a profit. In those cases, the income should not be subject to the SE tax.
For more information, see:
What is Form 1099-NEC?
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