Nothing’s latest earbuds, the Ear (3), represent a solid evolution of the company’s audio offering. While visually similar to their predecessors, these earbuds boast several key improvements, including enhanced sound quality, better noise cancellation, and a unique microphone feature. However, the persistent challenge of eartip fit remains a minor caveat.
Key Features and Design
The Nothing Ear (3) are available in white or black and feature the brand’s signature transparent design. Notably, the charging case has been upgraded with a more substantial, 100% recycled aluminum construction. This gives it a more premium feel over the previous plastic case. It’s also been crafted using 27 precision processes, with metal and plastic fused without glue for a seamless unibody. While a built-in speaker to turn it into a mini speakerphone wasn’t included, the overall design is distinctive and eye-catching.
Super Mic: A Unique Call-Quality Enhancement
One of the Ear (3)’s standout features is its “Super Mic” integrated into the charging case. This dual-microphone system utilizes ambient-filtering technology, reportedly capable of suppressing up to 95 dB of surrounding noise. Simply pressing the Talk button on the case activates this enhanced microphone, allowing for exceptionally clear voice calls – even in noisy environments. Double-tapping the same button keeps the microphone on. You can also use the Super Mic to record notes or conversations, with voice notes automatically transcribed and synced to Nothing’s Essential Space app.
Audio Performance: An Improved, Though Not Exceptional, Experience
The earbuds are equipped with a 12mm dynamic driver featuring a patterned diaphragm. This results in a larger radiating area (20% larger than the previous generation), leading to improved bass response (4-6 dB boost) and treble (up to 4 dB boost) and a wider soundstage. During testing, reviewers observed a definite improvement in bass response and a wider soundstage. There’s a touch of bass push giving the earbuds a warmer sound profile out of the box, which should appeal to many listeners. While the AirPods Pro 3 offer a noticeable step up in sound quality overall, the Nothing Ear (3) deliver a dynamic listening experience with good bass energy – provided a secure fit is achieved.
Noise Cancellation and Connectivity
Real-time adaptive noise cancellation (up to 45 dB) adjusts to your surroundings every 600 milliseconds and monitors fit-related leakage every 1,875 milliseconds, continuously updating the cancellation profile. Callers consistently praised the buds’ ability to reduce background noise, although the earbuds aren’s as effective as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or AirPods Pro 3. The buds utilize a custom Metal-Insulator-Metal antenna, which boosts total radiated power by 15% and signal sensitivity by 20% compared to the previous generation. However, reviewers encountered some interference at certain street intersections in New York, despite the improved antenna, echoing challenges experienced with the previous Nothing Ear model. Firmware updates via the Nothing X app for iOS and Android may address these connectivity issues.
Battery Life and Other Considerations
The upgraded 55-mAh batteries in each earbud provide up to 5.5 hours of listening time with noise cancellation enabled (10 hours with it off), and an additional 22 hours from the case. A quick 10-minute USB-C charge provides up to 10 hours of playback and wireless charging is also supported. The Ear (3) also boast an IP54 rating, making them splash-proof and dust-resistant. However, the most consistent issue raised during testing was the difficulty in achieving a secure fit with the included eartips. Reviewers found that using eartips from other brands (e.g., Sennheiser, Bowers & Wilkins) drastically improved the fit, sound quality, and noise cancellation.
Conclusion
The Nothing Ear (3) offer a worthwhile upgrade, bringing improvements to sound, noise cancellation, and call quality with its Super Mic feature. While the recycled aluminum case and enhanced connectivity are pluses, the persistent challenge of achieving a good fit with the included eartips remains a minor drawback. Ultimately, these earbuds deliver a compelling listening experience if you can find eartips that suit your ears. Further testing, including evaluation of transparency mode and app controls, is ongoing
