Nothing Ear (3a) Review: Simply the best earbuds – and they’re only $99

After testing the Nothing Ear (3a) earbuds for a few weeks, it's clear that they are the best earbuds available for $99. I would choose them over higher-priced alternatives that offer similar features. The design of these earbuds is consistent with Nothing's previous models, featuring a sleek transparent aesthetic and a new pink colorway that stands out.

The case is also smaller than the flagship Nothing Ear (3) earbuds, making it more convenient to carry around. Comfort is another strong point, as the shape of the earbuds fits perfectly in the ear for extended wear without discomfort.

One notable addition to the design is the trio of LED lights on the case, which indicate battery life and pairing status. This feature is particularly useful given that many earbuds still lack such indicators. The pairing button is conveniently located under the cover, and the Fast Pair support on Android makes switching between devices effortless.

Battery life is also impressive, with the earbuds providing 3-5 hours of playback on a single charge, and the case offering up to 42 hours of additional battery life. This setup aligns well with my typical usage, with a full charge lasting several weeks of regular use.

While the sound quality of the Nothing Ear (3a) is excellent, it is not as neutral as the previous generation. However, they strike a good balance between bass and overall audio presentation, making them enjoyable to listen to. The earbuds come with an EQ in the Nothing X app, which includes preset options as well as custom sliders for fine-tuning the sound to personal preferences.

I found myself using the "Balanced" EQ setting, but the ability to customize the audio output is a welcome addition. Noise cancellation is satisfactory but not exceptional, providing enough isolation for short flights, trains, or busy environments.

The "Audio Snapshot" feature is an interesting addition that allows users to record short clips of whatever they are listening to. While it can be handy for call recordings, I found it lacking in terms of audio quality and overall usefulness. Despite this, the recording feature still offers value, particularly when integrated with Nothing's AI services for transcription.

The feature defaults to a 30-second recording but can be extended up to 60 seconds, with an option to capture the 30 seconds before initiating the snapshot. However, this feature can drain the battery more quickly. Overall, the Nothing Ear (3a) earbuds are undoubtedly some of the best available in their price range, setting a new standard for affordable high-quality audio.