Nothing Ear (3)

Scope of delivery

The Nothing Ear (3), available in white or black, arrive in typically plastic-free packaging, with final assembly powered by renewable energy to help reduce their carbon footprint. Both earbuds and case meet the IP54 standard for dust and water resistance. The fit is stable enough for sports, while still being comfortable over longer periods.

Battery life

At higher volumes, the Nothing Ear (3) reach about ten and a half hours of playback in standard AAC mode. With noise cancelling active, around six hours are realistic, with two full recharges and an additional 80% top-up available via the case.

The earbuds recharge fully in 45 minutes, while a five-minute quick charge provides around 75 minutes of playback (without ANC). The case itself recharges in about 70 minutes via the supplied USB-C cable, and also supports wireless Qi charging.

Bluetooth specs

The Nothing Ear (3) use Bluetooth 5.4 and support Microsoft Swift Pair, Google Fast Pair and multipoint connections with two devices simultaneously. Supported codecs include SBC, AAC and LDAC. Unlike the Ear (1) and Ear (2), LHDC 5.0 is no longer supported. A low-latency mode is included for videos and gaming.

Controls

The Nothing Ear (3) feature pressure-sensitive stem controls, while the case has a traditional button for the Super Mic feature. Both can be customised within limits. Out of the box, the earbuds handle playback, call management, track skipping, and ANC/transparency switching.

Additional options include volume control and voice assistant access, with Nothing OS even offering ChatGPT integration. Missing, however, are a toggle for low-latency mode and a manual on/off switch. Wear detection is supported but currently unreliable. Single-ear operation is possible.

Nothing X App

The companion app (iOS/Android) provides a wide array of features. A “simple” 3-band EQ and an “advanced” 8-band EQ are included – the latter causing a noticeable drop in volume. A five-level Bass Enhance function automatically analyses and boosts low frequencies in real time. Users can also create a personalised sound profile that compensates for left/right ear imbalances.

Noise cancelling offers three fixed levels (low, medium, high) plus an adaptive mode. Transparency cannot be fine-tuned, though it automatically engages during calls. The app also enables multipoint, low latency, and static spatial audio, alongside a fit test, firmware updates, and a “Find my earbuds” sound locator. On compatible Android devices, LDAC can also be activated.

Call quality

Even without the case, the mix of conventional microphones and bone-conduction Voice Pickup Unit ensures clear voice transmission, with background noise significantly reduced. Wind filtering is generally effective but can sound diffuse in stronger gusts.

Super Mic

Compared with the earbuds themselves, the dual beamforming microphones in the case deliver warmer, cleaner, and more direct calls. The improvement is particularly striking in noisy environments, where speech remains impressively clear and natural. However, the Super Mic feature draws noticeably on battery reserves and is less effective when multipoint is active.

Noise cancelling (ANC) and transparency mode

The ANC reliably reduces low- and high-frequency noise, while voices are only moderately suppressed. High and adaptive modes perform similarly, both with a faint background hiss. Bass increases slightly as ANC intensity is raised.

Transparency mode has a mild background noise. While strong amplification makes it easy to follow conversations or announcements with playback paused, an adjustable intensity option would be welcome when listening to music.

Spatial Audio

The static spatial audio effect of the Nothing Ear (3) noticeably deepens the stage, though results vary. Modern pop often sounds tinny, while cinematic soundtracks benefit. Gaming and movies are enjoyable, though vocals can become sibilant and less defined compared to the standard profile.

Sound of the Nothing Ear (3)

The Nothing Ear (3) offer a spacious presentation with solid detail. Their sound signature is slightly indirect and broad rather than upfront, yet still fun, with a bass that has real substance without overwhelming. Bass fans can easily increase the impact via the Bass Enhance function.

Vocals are well defined, supported by clear and slightly warm mids that excel with podcasts, films and singing voices. Complex mixes are rendered with good contour and separation.

Highs are fresh and lively, blending well at moderate volumes. At louder levels, however, treble can become harsh, with sibilants more pronounced.

Conclusion

The Nothing Ear (3) distinguish themselves with the clever Super Mic – an innovative charging case feature that delivers excellent voice clarity, especially in noisy environments. Their spacious, powerful tuning is also commendable. Noise cancelling and transparency, however, remain middle-of-the-road with room for improvement.