Nothing has expanded its audio lineup with the Ear (3a), a true wireless earbud that puts two numbers at the center of its pitch: 45dB active noise cancellation and up to 42 hours of total battery life. At a price of $99 (£99/€99), the model is positioned as a practical option for users who want a compact pair of earbuds built for long daily use.
The Ear (3a) arrives alongside the Nothing Phone (4b), and it keeps the brand’s familiar transparent design language while adding a few notable changes to the body and charging case. For buyers comparing features in this segment, the combination of ANC, fast charging, Spatial Audio, and high-capacity playback time makes the device stand out on paper.
Battery life leads the conversation
Nothing says the Ear (3a) can deliver up to six hours of listening on a single charge with ANC enabled. With the charging case, that figure rises to 25 hours, which gives the earbuds enough endurance for a full day of mixed use.
Switch ANC off, and the numbers become even more impressive. The earbuds are rated for up to 10 hours per charge, while total playback with the case reaches 42 hours.
Fast charging is also part of the package. A five-minute top-up is claimed to provide up to one hour of playback, which should help when the battery runs low unexpectedly.
ANC, transparency, and spatial audio
The headline feature is still the 45dB active noise cancellation, which is designed to reduce surrounding noise in everyday environments. For moments when users need more awareness of what is happening nearby, a Transparency mode is included as well.
Nothing also adds Spatial Audio support, giving the Ear (3a) a broader set of listening options for compatible content. That places the earbuds closer to the feature set many buyers expect from more expensive models.
12mm drivers and stronger bass
Each earbud uses a 12mm dynamic driver, and Nothing claims this setup delivers bass output that is 5dB stronger than the Ear (a). The earbuds use an in-ear fit with silicone ear tips, and a new XS size has been added to improve comfort for users who need a smaller fit.
The focus on sound is complemented by support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC. That codec mix gives the Ear (3a) flexibility across different source devices while keeping higher-quality playback available on compatible hardware.
Microphones, recording, and connectivity
Each side includes three microphones with AI-based noise reduction, a setup aimed at improving call quality and voice capture. Nothing also includes an unusual recording feature that stores audio directly on the earbuds through 32MB of internal memory.
The built-in recording function can capture up to one minute of audio, and it can also save up to 30 seconds of sound that played before recording started. For users who want to keep a short voice note or a quick clip without reaching for another device, that adds a rare layer of utility.
On the connectivity side, the Ear (3a) supports Bluetooth 6.0 and Google Fast Pair for quicker pairing on compatible Android devices. The charging case has also been redesigned with a more rounded shape and an upgraded status light, giving the accessory a clearer visual identity than the previous generation.
Colors and market position
Nothing is offering the Ear (3a) in Black, Pink, White, and Yellow. With its mix of ANC 45dB, LDAC support, a 12mm driver, direct audio recording, and a total battery claim of up to 42 hours, the model is being pushed as a feature-rich option in the $99 category.
| Feature | Nothing Ear (3a) |
|---|---|
| ANC | Up to 45dB |
| Battery life with ANC on | Up to 6 hours, 25 hours with case |
| Battery life with ANC off | Up to 10 hours, 42 hours with case |
| Driver | 12mm dynamic driver |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 6.0, Google Fast Pair |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Colors | Black, Pink, White, Yellow |