Nothing Ear (3) Take On AirPods and Sony: Is the Third Time the Charm?

Nothing Ear (3) wireless earbuds bring a fresh challenge to AirPods and Sony with upgraded sound and features at a competitive price.

When a brand as audacious and quirky as Nothing steps back into the wireless earbuds arena, you can't help but lean in a little closer. After their first adventure into full-sized headphones with the Nothing Headphone (1), Nothing is returning to the more familiar territory of truly wireless earbuds—but this time with the fresh and promising Nothing Ear (3).

Returning to the Wireless Battlefield

Nothing Ear (3) is the natural successor to the charming yet flawed Nothing Ear (2), which we took for a spin mid-2023. The new model promises to refine what was already an attractive package: wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC) and a robust set of features, all wrapped in a mid-range price tag that aims to shake up the competition.

Competing in a crowded field against the likes of Sony WF-C7100N (£100 / $120) and Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 (£169 / $219), not to mention the ever-popular Apple AirPods 4 with ANC (£179 / $179), Nothing has quite the challenge on its hands. The question is: can the Ear (3) carve out its own space in this fierce contest?

The iconic transparent design returns with enhanced durability and a premium finish.

Sound That Hits the Right Notes

One of the gripes with the Ear (2) was its bright and somewhat thin sound profile, which, while distinctive, could grow tiresome after a while. Nothing aims to right that ship with the Ear (3), boasting "rich, dynamic sound" thanks to upgraded 12mm dynamic drivers. From a fan's perspective, this promise alone stokes excitement—I mean, when was the last time a fresh sound profile made you genuinely sit up and listen?

The audio journey is further enhanced by the inclusion of adaptive noise cancellation that reacts in real time, adjusting to your surrounding environment for a consistent and effective sound barrier. Whether you're on a noisy commute or enjoying a quiet moment, these earbuds want to keep you locked in.

Clear Calls and Smart Features

Calls can make or break wireless earbuds, and Nothing knows it. That’s why they’ve equipped the Ear (3) with a new "Super Mic" system. This dual-mic setup zeroes in on the human voice, cutting out the distracting background hum that usually ruins phone conversations on the go. Anyone who’s ever wrestled with muffled calls will appreciate this thoughtful tech.

In addition to sound and mic upgrades, the Ear (3) supports Bluetooth LDAC codec for higher-quality audio on compatible Android devices, plus Google Fast Pair to streamline the connection process. And because life isn’t always indoors, these buds come with an IP54 rating, standing up to light rain and dust without batting an eye.

That Distinctive Look Gets an Upgrade

If you’re a sucker for design (guilty over here), the Ear (3) won’t disappoint. The transparent aesthetic that made the original Ear (2) such a stunner is back—but now with metal components that add robustness and a touch of sleekness. The clean and futuristic vibe feels both nostalgic and new, like spotting an old friend rocking a fresh haircut.

Even the charging case has been revamped. Crafted from recycled aluminum with a slimmer profile, it now features an extra microphone to back up the "Super Mic" in the earbuds themselves. It's subtle, but it’s these little touches that show Nothing’s commitment to thoughtful design.

Battery Life That Keeps You Going

Battery life is the silent hero in wireless earbuds, and here, Nothing has noticeably upped the ante. The Ear (3) delivers an impressive 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, with the case boosting total listening time up to a solid 38 hours. That’s a significant leap from the previous model’s 6.5-hour runtime, making these earbuds a reliable companion for long days and late-night sessions alike.

Final Thoughts: Has Nothing Finally Hit the Mark?

Nothing’s journey so far has been one of bold moves, from their distinct design language to their competitive pricing. Yet, as fans, we’re still holding out for a pair of earbuds that truly wow us sonically. The Ear (3) seem poised to do just that—addressing past sound issues, reinforcing their call quality, and delivering a package that looks and feels premium.

Already available for pre-order in black or white at £179 / $179, the Ear (3) are ready to step into the ring. Whether they can topple giants like AirPods and Sony remains to be heard, but one thing’s for sure: Nothing is coming back strong, and this third attempt might just be the winning one.

FAQ

• What is new in Nothing Ear (3) compared to Ear (2)?
  The Ear (3) features upgraded 12mm drivers for richer sound, a new "Super Mic" system for clearer calls, adaptive noise cancellation, longer battery life (10 hours vs. 6.5), and a sturdier design with metal parts.
• How does the Ear (3) handle noise cancellation?
  It uses real-time adaptive ANC that adjusts based on your surroundings to provide consistent noise reduction.
• Are the Ear (3) earbuds water-resistant?
  Yes, they have an IP54 rating, protecting them against light rain and dust.
• What devices are compatible with Nothing Ear (3)?
  They support Bluetooth LDAC codec, making them ideal for high-quality audio on compatible Android devices, and also feature Google Fast Pair for quick connectivity.
• How long does the battery last on a single charge?
  You get up to 10 hours of playtime, with an additional 28 hours from the charging case, totaling around 38 hours.

Love the unique vibe of Nothing’s earbuds? You can bring home your favorite album cover or music-inspired poster to celebrate your sound journey at our store. Check out our collection and add some musical flair to your space today! Shop now.