The wireless earbuds market has become incredibly competitive, with major players like Apple, Samsung, Sony, and Bose dominating the space. However, there’s a new challenger in the budget-friendly category: Nothing, a tech brand founded by former OnePlus executive Carl Pei. With their Nothing Ear (1) taking the market by storm last year, they are back in 2025 with their new offering — the Nothing Ear (3).
Designed to deliver a premium audio experience without the premium price tag, the Ear (3) promises to deliver high-quality sound, sleek design, and cutting-edge features at an affordable price. But can they really compete with the established brands in terms of performance and value? In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the key features of the Nothing Ear (3), how they compare to other wireless earbuds on the market, and whether they truly offer the best bang for your buck.
Design and Build Quality
1. Minimalistic and Futuristic Design
One of the standout features of the Nothing Ear (3) is their design, which continues the brand’s signature aesthetic. With their transparent casing and sleek lines, the Ear (3) looks modern and futuristic. The see-through design allows users to catch a glimpse of the inner components, which is a bold and refreshing departure from the typical plastic or metal designs of most wireless earbuds.
- Case Design: The charging case is compact, minimalist, and easy to carry, with a matte finish that gives it a premium feel.
- Comfort and Fit: The Ear (3) comes with multiple ear tips to ensure a secure and comfortable fit, perfect for all-day listening.
- Durability: The earbuds have an IPX4 water resistance rating, making them sweat- and splash-resistant, ideal for workouts and outdoor activities.
Overall, the design of the Nothing Ear (3) continues the brand’s commitment to creating stylish, functional products that stand out in a crowded market.
2. Lightweight and Comfortable
Comfort is a crucial factor when selecting wireless earbuds, and the Nothing Ear (3) does not disappoint in this regard. Weighing just 4.5 grams per earbud, they are lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. Whether you’re working out, commuting, or attending long meetings, these earbuds should remain snug in your ears without causing discomfort.
The ergonomic design ensures that the earbuds stay securely in place, and the multiple ear tip sizes allow for a personalized fit. Additionally, the touch-sensitive controls on the earbuds are responsive and intuitive, making it easy to control playback, adjust volume, and take calls without needing to pull out your phone.
Sound Quality: A Premium Experience at a Budget Price
1. Crystal Clear Audio Performance
When it comes to sound quality, the Nothing Ear (3) punches well above their weight. Equipped with 11.6mm drivers, these earbuds deliver clear, balanced, and dynamic sound that rivals much more expensive models.
- Bass Response: The bass is deep and punchy without overpowering the mids and highs, making them perfect for a variety of genres, from rock to electronic music.
- Mids and Highs: The mids are crisp, and the highs are bright without being harsh, ensuring a full spectrum of sound. Whether you’re listening to vocals or intricate instrumentals, the sound remains clear and detailed.
- Noise Isolation: The passive noise isolation provided by the earbuds’ snug fit allows for an immersive listening experience, even without active noise cancellation (ANC).
Although the Ear (3) doesn’t feature ANC, the passive noise isolation is more than sufficient for most users, and the sound quality more than makes up for this minor shortcoming.
2. Dynamic Sound Personalization via App
One of the unique features of the Nothing Ear (3) is their customizable sound profile via the Nothing X app. Users can adjust the equalizer settings to suit their preferences, whether they prefer a bass-heavy sound, mid-focused clarity, or a well-rounded profile. The app also allows for firmware updates, ensuring the earbuds continue to improve over time with software enhancements.
The inclusion of sound customization in the app is a standout feature in this price range, allowing users to tailor their listening experience to their exact needs.
Features and Performance
1. Long-Lasting Battery Life
Battery life is always a critical factor when choosing wireless earbuds, and the Nothing Ear (3) offers impressive performance in this regard. With up to 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge and 32 hours of total battery life with the charging case, you can listen to music or take calls all day without needing to recharge.
- Quick Charge: A 10-minute charge gives you up to 1.5 hours of listening time, making it ideal for users who are always on the go.
- Wireless Charging: The charging case supports wireless charging, adding convenience for those who prefer a cable-free experience.
With these battery specs, the Ear (3) outperforms many competitors in the budget category, offering long-lasting use for daily tasks and long trips.
2. Touch Controls and Voice Assistant Integration
The Nothing Ear (3) features touch-sensitive controls on both earbuds, allowing you to play/pause music, skip tracks, adjust volume, and answer/end calls without ever reaching for your phone. The controls are responsive and customizable via the Nothing X app, which lets you set specific actions for different touch gestures.
Additionally, the Ear (3) integrates with popular voice assistants like Google Assistant and Siri, so you can control your music, get updates, or make calls hands-free.
3. Stable Connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2
The Ear (3) uses Bluetooth 5.2, providing a stable, fast connection with minimal lag. Whether you’re watching videos, gaming, or listening to music, the Bluetooth 5.2 technology ensures that audio stays in sync with video and remains uninterrupted.
How Do the Nothing Ear (3) Compare to Other Wireless Earbuds?
When compared to other budget wireless earbuds, the Nothing Ear (3) offer impressive value for money. They perform on par with or exceed earbuds from brands like Anker Soundcore, JBL, and Realme, all at a more affordable price point.
| Feature | Nothing Ear (3) | Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 | JBL Tune 230NC | Realme Buds Air 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 8 hours (32 with case) | 6 hours (28 with case) | 6 hours (20 with case) | 5 hours (20 with case) |
| Noise Cancellation | None | Hybrid ANC | Active ANC | Active ANC |
| Sound Quality | Clear, balanced sound | Bass-heavy, good clarity | Balanced, clear | Dynamic sound |
| Charging | Wireless, USB-C | USB-C, no wireless | USB-C, no wireless | USB-C, no wireless |
| Price | $99 USD | $129 USD | $119 USD | $79 USD |
As seen in the table, the Nothing Ear (3) offer excellent sound quality, battery life, and convenience while being priced more competitively than many other earbuds with similar features.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Nothing Ear (3)?
If you’re looking for budget wireless earbuds that don’t compromise on sound quality, comfort, and style, then the Nothing Ear (3) should be at the top of your list. With their sleek design, customizable sound profile, and long battery life, they offer exceptional value for money and are perfect for daily use, commuting, workouts, and everything in between.
While they may lack features like active noise cancellation, the overall audio performance, comfort, and user experience make them a standout choice in the budget wireless earbuds market for 2025.
The Nothing Ear (3) proves that high-quality audio and advanced features don’t have to come at a steep price, making them one of the best budget wireless earbuds of 2025.
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