Nothing Ear (3a)

The Nothing Ear (3a) are true wireless earbuds that deliver flagship-level call quality and ANC for under $100. With a 12mm driver, Bluetooth 6.0, and 42 hours of total battery life, they're a fantastic value for commuters and frequent callers. Just don't expect them to stay put during a hard workout.

The 12mm driver pushes out a lively, engaging sound. It's not the most neutral tuning we've heard, but it's fun. Bass has good punch without turning everything into mud, and the treble extends up to 40kHz if you're into Hi-Res audio. The 32Ω impedance is standard for wireless buds, so you won't need any special gear to drive them. For gaming, the Ear (3a) scored 82.3 out of 100 in our testing, which is solid. Latency is low enough that you won't notice sync issues in most mobile games.

ANC is where the Ear (3a) punches above its weight. The hybrid system with up to 45dB of noise reduction lands in the 93rd percentile. That's genuinely impressive for this price bracket. It won't completely silence a subway car, but it takes the edge off engine rumble and office chatter better than most buds under $100. The transparency mode is also decent, letting in enough ambient sound to stay aware without sounding artificial. Battery life is another win. You get 10 hours from the buds alone and 42 hours with the case, which puts it in the 89th percentile. The fast charging is legit too. Five minutes gets you an hour of playback, and ten minutes with the case gets you ten hours. That's the kind of math we like.

Stacked against the Sony WF-1000XM5, the Nothing Ear (3a) actually holds its own in a few key areas. The Sony buds are the gold standard for ANC and sound quality, but they cost significantly more. The Ear (3a) matches or beats the Sony on mic quality and battery life, which is wild for the price. Where the Sony pulls ahead is overall sound refinement and build quality. The XM5 feels more premium in hand, while the Ear (3a) has a build score in the 34th percentile. That's a weak spot.

Against the Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation, it's a similar story. The AirPods Pro 3 are the default choice for iPhone users, with seamless integration and excellent transparency mode. But the Ear (3a) offers better battery life and a more customizable EQ through the Nothing X app. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro is another strong alternative, especially for Samsung phone owners. It has better build quality and a more refined sound signature, but the Ear (3a) beats it on mic performance and price. The Soundcore P31i and JLab Jbuds Pods are cheaper options, but they don't come close on ANC or call quality. If you want the best overall package under $100, the Ear (3a) is hard to beat.

Pricing on the Nothing Ear (3a) is a bit all over the place right now. We're seeing USD 79 to USD 99 across 12 US listings, and CAD 140 for a single Canadian listing. That USD 20 spread is worth paying attention to. If you're in the US, shop around before you buy. The lower end of that range makes these an absolute steal, while the higher end puts them closer to some serious competition. At USD 79, you're getting ANC, multipoint Bluetooth 6.0, and call quality that embarrasses buds costing twice as much. At USD 99, the value proposition gets a little murkier, but it's still competitive. Just don't overpay when the same buds are sitting cheaper at another store.

The Nothing Ear (3a) sits in that sweet spot for true wireless earbuds where you're not paying flagship money but still expect flagship features. We're talking a 12mm dynamic driver, hybrid ANC rated up to 45dB, Bluetooth 6.0, and a case that'll keep you going for 42 hours total. It's a crowded market, but Nothing keeps carving out its own lane with that transparent design language and a spec sheet that reads like it costs twice as much.

So is the Nothing Ear (3a) good for everyday listening? Based on our database, it's a strong yes for most people. The sound profile lands in the 80th percentile for its category, which means it's well above average but not quite at the top of the charts. Where this thing really shines is on calls and connectivity. The mic setup is in the 98th percentile, which is basically best-in-class territory for earbuds in this price range. If you spend half your day on Zoom calls or walking around town on the phone, these are worth a serious look.

Comfort is another standout. The Ear (3a) ranks in the 95th percentile for comfort, and at 5 grams per bud, they practically disappear in your ears. Nothing also widened the ear tip selection, so more people should get a proper seal. That seal matters for both ANC performance and bass response, so it's good to see them take fit seriously.

Skip the Nothing Ear (3a) if you need earbuds for running or gym sessions. The fitness score of 48.2 out of 100 is the weakest area, and the fit isn't secure enough for high-impact movement. The IP54 rating handles light sweat, but it's not built for heavy workouts. If fitness is your priority, look at something with ear hooks or a more secure fit like the JLab Jbuds Pods or dedicated sport earbuds. Audiophiles chasing the absolute best sound quality should also look elsewhere. The sound is good, but the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer more refined audio if you're willing to pay more.

Should you buy the Nothing Ear (3a)? If you want great call quality, strong ANC, and excellent battery life without spending flagship money, yes. These are some of the best earbuds under $100 for calls and commuting. The mic performance alone is worth the price of admission if you're on the phone a lot. And the 42-hour total battery means you're not hunting for a charger every couple of days.

But they're not for everyone. If you're a gym rat, look elsewhere. The fitness score of 48.2 out of 100 tells the story. The IP54 rating is fine for light sweat, but the fit isn't secure enough for running or intense workouts. And if you're an audiophile who wants the absolute best sound quality, the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro will serve you better, just at a higher price. For everyone else, the Ear (3a) is an easy recommendation.