Nothing Ear (3a) Wireless Earbuds Review: Style Meets Value
The $100 earbuds look and sound better than earbuds nearly twice the price—as long as you can stomach just average noise canceling.
In 2026, standing out among the multitude of wireless earbuds on Amazon is no easy feat. However, Nothing's design language continues to impress, as seen with their latest release, the Ear (3a). While not drastically different from its predecessor, the Ear (a), the Ear (3a) boasts several upgrades, including a new case, larger 12-mm driver, and unique recording functions.
The earbuds feature transparent detailing, vibrant colors (a bold pink, yellow, black, and white), and a compact case that adds to their unique personality. While they may lack the premium feel of high-end competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM6, the Ear (3a) compensates by being fun, youthful, and eye-catching. Moreover, they are well-made and offer a more premium feel compared to most competitors under $100.
Comfort and fit are key factors, and the Ear (3a) excels in this area. The earbuds comfortably fit into the ears, with an intuitive pinch control design that works reliably every time. The app even offers a fit check test that helps users choose the right size silicone tips for optimal comfort. Additionally, a LED strip in the case provides a simple and useful indication of battery life, flashing one, two, or three white dots to show the remaining charge, and turning red when below 20 percent.
One of the Ear (3a)'s most unique features is Audio Snapshot. By pinching both earbuds simultaneously, users can either start recording their ongoing call or capture up to 60 seconds of their current audio or video. This feature allows users to save memorable or insightful moments for later review, with recordings stored locally on the earbuds and later uploaded to the Nothing X app for sharing or transcription.
Two transcription options are available – Standard (local processing) and Pro (cloud-based AI processing), with the latter being included for three months after purchase.
The Ear (3a) also includes a surprising feature: call recording. By pressing the earbuds simultaneously, users can record their conversations, which can last up to two hours despite the earbuds' 32 MB storage capacity. While the recordings are compressed and not suitable for professional broadcasting, they are still useful for personal reference. The recordings can be downloaded and transcribed using the Nothing X app, with options for both Standard and Pro transcription services.
In terms of audio performance, the Ear (3a) delivers good results with its 12-mm driver, which offers five more decibels of bass and a more detailed sound signature compared to previous models. The earbuds perform well across various genres, delivering plenty of detail, solid bass extension, and a generous soundstage. While they may not rival the $249 Apple AirPods Pro 3, they offer a comparable sound experience at a significantly lower price point.
Written by urgent.news from Wired's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
