Nothing Ear (3a) earbuds review: Punchy bass and smart audio clips for €99
Nothing's latest Ear (3a) earbuds pair a bold new aesthetic with high-impact audio for under €100. Picture: Noel Campion
I spent the last few weeks testing the new Nothing Ear (3a). While they lack wireless charging, their unique audio snapshot feature and punchy bass make them seriously good value for money.
The case has a new pill-shaped silhouette with rounded corners that I found much nicer to hold than the previous rectangular design. It retains that iconic transparency, now available in a striking new pink, as well as a bold yellow and white, and my Ear (3a) was the black version. My only gripe is the continued absence of wireless charging, which feels like a missed opportunity in 2026. However, the new three-unit LED strip on the case makes monitoring battery levels far more intuitive than the old single light.
The buds haven't changed much from a design standpoint, and you get the same pinch features as before. I really like how they look and feel in my ears.
The ergonomics remain largely unchanged from the Ear (a) model, so they remain very easy to wear for long periods. For those with smaller ears, the inclusion of a new extra-small tip size is a thoughtful touch that helps ensure a good seal. I found that to get the best sound and ANC performance, even more so than most earbuds, it's best to push and twist the buds into your ears.
The 32MB of built-in storage for Audio Snapshots is the most interesting addition. It can store up to two hours of audio depending on audio quality and usage. I used it to quickly record audio snippets during meetings and interviews, and it synced directly with the Nothing X app (free on Android and iOS). I am not sure how many users will find this useful, but it is a bonus that you are not paying an extra price for it.
The transcription software offers three different modes. You can choose between Standard (Precise), which is slower, or Standard (Fast), which prioritises speed over accuracy. Both are free and process everything locally on the device. There is also a Pro mode that promises both speed and accuracy, though you can access it only via a three-month trial capped at 120 minutes per month. I couldn't find any information regarding how much the subscription will cost once that trial period ends.
Call recording is also handy, though the mandatory verbal warning can be a bit startling. While the ANC is decent at erasing the low hum of traffic or the fan in my home office, higher frequencies still manage to leak through. Transparency mode is clear for surroundings, but my own voice sounded slightly muffled, although it’s excusable for buds in this price category.
These Ear (3a) use a 12mm driver and support LDAC for high-res audio on Android devices. Of course, they also work great on iOS devices using AAC. They feature Bluetooth 6.0 and offer up to 10 hours of playback with ANC off, dropping to six hours with ANC on.
If you love bass, these are for you. In my testing, the low end is incredibly powerful and crisp, though it occasionally drowns out the mid-range during busier tracks. The wide soundstage provided by the larger driver is impressive, but I’m not a fan of the spatial audio feature for music. However, it can be good for movies for a more expansive, cinema-like experience.
The 8-band EQ in the app offers plenty of customisation to achieve a better balance, but apart from toning down the bass, I didn’t feel the need to change much else.
The Nothing Ear (3a) are a joy for bass lovers, and those needing quick audio captures. Despite lacking wireless charging, the unique features make them worth the €99 price tag.
ie.nothing.tech
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
