I’ve been using the Ear (3) for 28 days now and I’m really happy with them. However, there are some details that shouldn’t be overlooked.
⚒️ Build Quality
The feeling is more premium, and they’re resistant. I dropped the case 3 times and there are no dents on the edges!
It also has two holes on the sides to attach a wrist lanyard, which is a nice touch:
However, the transparent plastic seems to scratch more easily than the Ear 2 (2024), I can see some scratches already.
Also, when I tried to find where the scratch was with my nail, a lot of horizontal scratches appeared, which doesn’t make sense considering how little force I used 😅🫠 Maybe it just my unit, don’t know!
🎚️ Controls
Here’s a flaw that carries over from the other Ear models. Unfortunately, the long press takes too long. This is one of the reasons why when I’m running on the treadmill at the gym, I increase the volume from my phone, because to increase the volume by 3 units, I literally have to wait 4 seconds… Too long, especially when you’re working out.
For the rest, like with the Ear (2), we have a lot of freedom. Too bad there’s no swipe up and down, but as I imagined, that’s an Apple patent. But anyway, the delay problem would still remain.
🔊 Audio Quality
Listening to music with these earbuds is incredible. As we know, Nothing’s strong point is audio customization through presets. Honestly, I only use the preset ones because they’re enough for me depending on what I’m listening to.
Calls are also good. Great noise cancellation on the microphone, people I called from the gym (so with music and equipment noise around) told me they didn’t hear any external sounds. However, the microphone quality is about the same as the Ear 2, so it’s okay, but not amazing, they hear you well but not super well.
But that’s what the famous SuperMic is for.
🎙️ SuperMic
Obviously, you shouldn’t expect the studio audio quality from Nothing’s promotional spot.
However, it didn’t seem bad to me. I use it at 1.5cm/2cm from my mouth, and the audio seems very good. I made a test video:
Here’s the YouTube video test of microphones and SuperMic
What I noticed is that it takes about a second and a half from when you press the button until it activates. It’s not a big problem, but it’s worth keeping in mind.
In addition, due to the material, the button “talk” tends to scratch:
On TV
Video/Series: I used them with my Samsung TV and sometimes the audio would cut out, like it would pause in one ear for a fraction of a second and then in the other, like a flutter, as if I was moving away from the source.
But it doesn’t always happen. I’m a bit confused because I don’t know if it’s my TV’s fault. This “defect” also happens with the Ear 2. However, with AirPods it gives a different type of problem, so it’s likely that part of the issue is the TV and not the device.
🔇 ANC
Personally, I noticed an improvement in noise cancellation compared to the Ear 2.
It’s good noise cancellation, especially if you use public transport, you don’t need to listen to music very loud. I’m really happy with it, I’d give it a 7 as vote.
🌬️ Transparency Mode
It doesn’t achieve the “I forget I’m wearing them” effect because the transparency mode is the same as the Ear 2. It dampens things a bit, but especially, you keep hearing your own voice muffled. So it’s weird to hear everything around you clearly but your voice as if you were talking with your ears plugged.
I use it like this sometimes, but often I take one out to have maximum focus because if I miss even a few words, I don’t understand what the person is saying to me.
🔋 Battery
Too often the right earbud doesn’t charge beyond 95%. So I always see 100% and 95%. This also happened with the Ear 2, but it didn’t seem this frequent. It’s just 5%, nothing significant, but I don’t understand why it happens because being magnetic, there aren’t many ways to get it wrong.
Duration
Nothing tells us the earbuds last 4h with ANC active. Indeed, they use about 80% battery in 4h of continuous use with ANC active (or in transparency), so I suppose they do reach 4h, and with a 10% left
Charging
Not only does the case charge quickly, but the earbuds in the case also charge fast, and this is a plus for me.
🔀 Dual Connection
I love that they have dual connection. It’s definitely the feature I love and can’t live without. The fact that if I pause music on my computer and open Instagram on my phone, I hear it through the earbuds without even clicking anything is incredible.
Sometimes though, the switch takes a long time, even if I’ve paused on the other device.
Specific Situations
🏃🏻 Sport/Gym
Used them while running, at the gym, and they don’t fall out. They’re comfortable. With customization I switch between podcasts and hardcore without problems, with the preference between voice and bass. Again, the only flaw is the long time to increase or decrease volume.
👩🏻💻 Remote Work
Used them for meetings and I also tried the SuperMic. They confirmed they notice a difference and hear me better using the super mic. However, keep in mind it’s quite uncomfortable to hold the case in your hand near your mouth during the entire call. Still, I think it’s perfect for shorter calls.
🧑🏼🍳 Daily Activities
They’re fantastic for daily activities, like when I cook, when I clean, when I walk outside. However, as I already mentioned with transparency, if someone is talking to you, I end up having to take one earbud out, even though I’m listening at low volume.
They’re comfortable, but be careful, they feel maybe a bit bigger than usual. For sleeping with music on, they might be slightly uncomfortable.
🎧 Spatial Audio
I use spatial audio a lot! I love the immersive audio especially for podcasts. But be careful, it only has the fixed spatial audio feature, in case you were also looking for the head-tracked spatial audio.
😍 Details That Make a Difference
The microphones for noise cancellation are no longer external like before!
This means no more accidental touches when you rest in bed or even just when you accidentally brush your hand or arm against them, which caused that terrible sound directly in your eardrum.
Ear Tips
They finally introduced a new XS size. I always prefer smaller ear tips because they fit better, and I appreciate them much more compared to the Ear 2 (2024) which often interrupted the podcast/music because they would come out on their own, without effort (even though they were the smallest size).
Why an External Microphone and Not a Good Microphone in the Earbuds?
I think Nothing played their cards well.
Carl Pei mentioned in a video that being a startup, they don’t have easy access like other competitors to various components. So I understand the costs would have increased a lot. For me, they’re a good compromise.
FINAL VERDICT
Unfortunately though, we’re in delicate territory when it comes to price.
They currently cost 180€, and I think it’s good value for money, but I understand some might prefer other options.
But if you want to complete your ecosystem, prioritize dual connectivity, design, and freedom in sound adjustment, and you also live in a chaotic city, then the Nothing Ear (3) is definitely a good choice
What do you think? I’ll read you in the comments 👇🏻
PS: ALL PHOTOS WERE TAKEN WITH THE PHONE (3)
