Nothing Ear (3a)
Nothing
68 Overall Score
vs
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
Apple
86 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Nothing Ear (3a)
No customer feedback yet
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
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
Travel
Calls
Fitness
Budget
Gaming
Music
Specifications
| Nothing Ear (3a) | Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Siri |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Nothing X | Android & iOS |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | — |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IP57 |
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 3rd Generation
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong build (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Below average affordability (11th percentile)11th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nothing Ear (3a)0.854score per dollar
vs
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation0.430score per dollar
Nothing Ear (3a) offers 2.0x better value for money
Verdict
Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
Scores 86 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 2 of 36 specs.
