“Nothing is no stranger to trying stuff out. Sometimes that penchant for uniqueness works (see: the Ear A wireless earbuds, the Headphone 1 , or the polarizing Phone 3 ), and other times it doesn’t quite hit the mark (see: the Ear 3’s “Super Mic” feature or failed experiments like Nothing Chats ).”
Critical Assessment
What Critics Praise
- Great value
- Solid sound quality
- Unique recording features
- Fun color options
- Transparent pillbox case
- Flexible EQ
Points of Contention
- Poor active noise cancellation
- Hidden subscription for pro transcription
- No wireless charging
- Fit loosens during impact‑heavy exercise
- Heavily boosted bass can overwhelm mixes
- Mic renders voice thin and nasal
Professional Reviews
3 reviews from 3 criticsThe affordable Nothing Ear (3a) noise-cancelling earphones introduce a handful of minor improvements, including a more durable charging case and expanded frequency support, for the same low price.
“In general, the Ear (3a) are the clear step-up, but they ship with a very bass-heavy tuning.”
