Nothing Ear (3a)

The Nothing Ear (3a) delivers flagship-tier call quality and ANC for just $79. With Bluetooth 6.0, onboard recording, and a comfortable fit, these true wireless earbuds are a killer value. If you want the most features for the least money, this is the pair to beat.

The 12mm dynamic driver pushes out a lively, engaging sound that leans slightly warm. Bass has satisfying thump without bleeding into the mids, and the treble stays clear even at higher volumes. In our database, the sound quality lands in the 82nd percentile, which is well above average for this price bracket. It's not the absolute last word in detail retrieval, but for everyday listening, it's a fun and fatigue-free signature. The 8-band EQ in the Nothing X app lets you tweak things if the stock tuning isn't your vibe.

ANC performance is a real strength. The hybrid system cancels up to 45dB of noise, placing it in the 94th percentile, which is one of the best on the market for under $100. It takes the edge off rumbling bus engines and chatty coffee shops with ease. Transparency mode is natural-sounding and doesn't have that pressurized feeling some buds suffer from. Call quality is even more impressive. The six-mic array and noise cancellation for voice put the Ear (3a) in the 97th percentile for mic performance, making it a top-tier pick for calls. Your voice comes through crisp and clear, even with background chaos.

Stacked against the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, the Ear (3a) is a fascinating underdog. The Samsung buds offer a more premium build and slightly more refined sound, but they cost significantly more. The Nothing's mic quality actually outperforms the Galaxy Buds3 Pro in our testing, and the onboard recording feature is something Samsung simply doesn't offer. For call-heavy users, the cheaper Nothing is the smarter buy.

The Technics EAH-AZ100 is another strong competitor with excellent sound and ANC, but again, it's in a different price league. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are the default choice for iPhone users, but the Ear (3a) offers a more platform-agnostic experience with better battery life and that unique recording capability. If you're not locked into the Apple ecosystem, the Nothing buds give you more for less. The Sony WF-C700N is the closest rival in price, but the Ear (3a) beats it on ANC strength, mic clarity, and battery stamina.

At $79, the Ear (3a) is an absurdly good deal. You're getting ANC and call quality that rival buds costing twice as much. The Sony WF-C700N is a natural competitor at a similar price, but it lacks the onboard recording and Bluetooth 6.0. The Soundcore P31i is cheaper but can't touch the Nothing's mic performance or feature set. If you want the best bang for your buck in true wireless right now, this is it. The only real catch is the build quality, which sits in the 35th percentile, so don't expect a tank-like feel. But for the price, the sheer number of premium features you get is hard to argue with.

Nothing's Ear (3a) is the latest true wireless earbud from the London-based company, and it's making a strong case for itself in the crowded sub-$100 market. At $79, you're getting a feature set that reads like a wishlist: hybrid ANC up to 45dB, Bluetooth 6.0 with multipoint, and a genuinely useful call recording feature that saves directly to the buds. The bright yellow design is a statement, but the 12mm dynamic driver and Hi-Res audio support suggest there's substance behind the style. If you've been searching for budget earbuds that don't feel like a compromise, these deserve a spot on your shortlist.

Comfort is a standout here. Nothing includes a wider range of ear tips than before, and at just 5g per bud, they practically disappear in your ears. The IP54 rating means they'll handle sweaty commutes and light rain without issue, though we wouldn't trust them for heavy workouts. The new status bar on the case is a nice touch, letting you check battery life at a glance without opening an app. It's these small, thoughtful details that make the Ear (3a) feel more premium than its price tag suggests.

Connectivity is where these buds really flex. Bluetooth 6.0 is still rare at any price point, and it shows in the rock-solid connection and range. One-touch access to ChatGPT and Essential News is baked in, which feels less like a gimmick and more like a glimpse at where earbuds are heading. The multipoint support is seamless, letting you hop between a laptop and phone without the usual pairing dance. For anyone who lives on calls, the six-mic setup with Clear Voice Technology is a genuine highlight.

Fitness fanatics should look elsewhere. The Ear (3a) scored poorly in our fitness testing, and the lack of wing tips or a truly secure fit means they're likely to wiggle loose during a run or HIIT session. If you need buds that can keep up with intense workouts, the Soundcore P31i or a dedicated sport model with ear hooks would be a better fit. Audiophiles chasing the absolute best sound quality might also find the tuning a bit too consumer-friendly, though the 8-band EQ helps bridge that gap.

The Nothing Ear (3a) is one of the easiest recommendations we can make for anyone on a budget. It nails the essentials: great sound, top-tier call quality, and ANC that punches well above its weight. The onboard recording is a genuinely useful feature that sets it apart from almost everything else on the market. Battery life is excellent, and the fast charging means you'll rarely be caught with dead buds.

Should you buy this? If you take a lot of calls, commute daily, or just want a feature-packed pair of earbuds without spending a fortune, the answer is a clear yes. The build quality isn't going to wow anyone, and fitness enthusiasts should look elsewhere, but for everyone else, the Ear (3a) is a standout. It's the kind of product that makes you wonder why you'd ever spend more.