Nothing Ear (3) Review: Would Owners Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test these earbuds in person. This verdict is based mainly on SoundGuys' review, listed at the end. The RTINGS page did not load for us, so we do not quote it. We found few independent long-term durability reports, and say so below. Our method.
Good earbuds with a great app, if you skip the Super Mic hype
SoundGuys found the Ear (3) comfortable and well built, with strong noise cancelling (about 35 to 38 dB measured), good sound and one of the best companion apps in wireless audio. It was less kind about the mics, wind handling, short ANC battery life and the Super Mic case feature, which it called a solution looking for a problem. New buyers who like the design will probably be happy, but call quality and ANC battery may disappoint.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- want comfortable, stylish earbuds with strong ANC
- like tuning sound with a parametric EQ
- want LDAC and Bluetooth 5.4 support
Skip it if you…
- make a lot of calls in noisy places
- need long battery life with ANC on
- own the previous Nothing earbuds and want a big upgrade
The Nothing Ear (3) are stemmed, true wireless earbuds with active noise cancelling, an IP54-rated metal-accented case, and a Super Mic feature that lets you record using a mic built into the case.
We found one detailed independent review we could read in full, plus headlines from others, so evidence is thinner than for older products.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs
| Bluetooth | 5.4 with LDAC support |
|---|---|
| Noise cancelling | Hybrid ANC, about 35 to 38 dB measured |
| Rating | IP54 |
| Battery with ANC | About 5 hours in SoundGuys' test |
| App | Nothing X, with parametric EQ |
What reviewers love
What reviewers criticise
How it holds up over time
We found no rigorous long-term durability data for the Ear (3). The IP54 rating and metal-accented case are positives on paper, but we cannot say how the earbuds or batteries age. Some features, such as Essential Space transcription, are exclusive to Nothing phones.
Tips from reviewers
- Use the EQ if the default bass feels heavy.
- Do not count on the Super Mic as a replacement for a proper microphone.
- Avoid windy outdoor use if ANC matters to you.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Strong noise cancelling
- Excellent app with parametric EQ
- Comfortable, secure fit
- LDAC and Bluetooth 5.4
- Distinctive design with an IP54 case
What owners complain about
- Muffled, robotic-sounding mics
- Short battery life with ANC on
- Super Mic is limited and awkward
- Bass-heavy tuning for some listeners
- Little improvement for owners of the previous model
Other options owners compare
These are earbuds often compared with the Ear (3).
| Model | Style | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing Ear (3) (this review) | Stemmed ANC earbuds | You want style, strong ANC and a flexible app | See on Amazon |
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 Read our review | Premium ANC earbuds | You use an iPhone and want seamless integration | See on Amazon |
| Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Read our review | Value ANC earbuds | You want solid ANC at a lower cost | See on Amazon |
Want stylish earbuds with a great app?
Check the current price and colour options on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the noise cancelling good?
SoundGuys measured about 35 to 38 dB of attenuation, strong but below the advertised figure, with wind a weak point.
What is Super Mic?
A microphone built into the case for recording. SoundGuys found it awkward and limited.
How long does the battery last?
About 5 hours 12 minutes with ANC on in SoundGuys' test, extended by the case.
Should owners of earlier Nothing earbuds upgrade?
SoundGuys suggests existing Nothing earbud owners skip this upgrade.
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Sources we analyzed
- SoundGuys: Nothing Ear (3) review — ANC, sound, app, mic, battery, Super Mic
Figures reflect each source as of October 21, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.