Nothing Ear (3a)
Nothing
68 Overall Score
vs
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Apple
82 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Nothing Ear (3a)
No customer feedback yet
Apple AirPods Pro 3
72 out of 100 medium confidence 25 reviews
The AirPods Pro 3 receive high praise for their exceptional active noise cancellation, improved sound quality with deep bass and clear vocals, and comfortable secure fit. Users highlight the new heart-rate sensor, adaptive audio, and live translation as valuable upgrades. However, a few reviewers report discomfort due to the hard plastic shape or fit issues, and some note the case battery could be stronger. Overall, they are seen as a premium but worthwhile upgrade for daily use.
Pros
- Exceptional active noise cancellation
- Improved sound quality with deep bass
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Useful heart-rate sensor
- Adaptive audio and transparency mode
Cons
- Uncomfortable hard plastic shape for some
- Fit issues causing earbuds to fall out
- Case battery could be stronger
- High price point
- Different fit compared to previous generations
Active noise cancellation 8
Sound quality 7
Comfort and fit 9
Battery life 5
Heart rate sensor 3
Live translation 3
Scores
Commute
Calls
Travel
Budget
Gaming
Fitness
Music
Specifications
| Nothing Ear (3a) | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XS, S, M, L | XXS, XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.01 kg★ | 0.09 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 12 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 140 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | — | AAC, SBC |
| Surround | — | Spatial Audio |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | hybrid | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 6.0 | 5.3★ |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | — | USB-C |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 10 hrs★ | 8 hrs |
| Charge Time | 1.1699999570846558 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 5 mins for 1 hour (Earbuds), 10 mins for 10 hours (Earbuds + Case) | 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 42 hrs★ | 24 hrs |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6★ | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | ChatGPT | Voice assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Nothing X | Apple |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | — |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | Water-Resistant |
Pros & Cons
Nothing Ear (3a)
- Strong mic (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong anc (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong comfort (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Below average affordability (25th percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Apple AirPods Pro 3
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong connectivity (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average affordability (11th percentile)11th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nothing Ear (3a)0.488score per dollar
vs
Apple AirPods Pro 30.277score per dollar
Nothing Ear (3a) offers 1.8x better value for money
Verdict
Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 3
Scores 82 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 2 of 36 specs.
