The latest translucent noise-cancelling earbuds from Nothing feature an innovative twist: the case includes a high-quality built-in microphone that enables you to communicate simply by pressing a button.

This so-called super microphone caters to those who desire a more direct microphone experience for improved clarity during conversations, recordings, and voice notes, even in bustling environments. It’s particularly suited for individuals who speak directly into the bottom of their phones.

However, this enhancement in the case’s functionality has led to a price increase, with Year 3 now retailing at £179 (€179/$179/AU$299), which is £50 more than the prior model’s launch price. While still competitively priced compared to leading competitors, it’s now closer to the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Apple AirPods Pro 3.

Ear 3 maintains Nothing’s hallmark translucent aesthetic, introducing various small design details that set them apart from mundane earbuds, while incorporating aluminum in place of some plastic for a more polished appearance.

The earbuds have been redesigned for enhanced comfort during prolonged listening sessions. Their lightweight and secure fit ensures a snug seal in your ear. The stem features squeeze controls for playback, noise cancellation, volume adjustments, and voice assistant activation. Although somewhat limited, the controls are customizable and function effectively.

The earbuds come in a square, flip-top charging case that is compact yet noticeably heavier this year. With a battery life of 6 hours on a single charge, and with noise cancellation active, you can enjoy at least 22 hours of total playback when utilizing the case for recharging. The case itself charges in slightly over an hour via USB-C and around 2 hours using Qi wireless charging.

Equipped with a capable built-in microphone, the earbuds effectively filter out ambient noise, although they may occasionally sound somewhat robotic. The Super Mic offers richer, fuller audio, making it ideal for voice memos, transcription, and calls. Nevertheless, the audio quality doesn’t quite reach the standards for a lapel microphone or similar recording devices.

Specifications

• Water Resistance: IP54 (splash-proof)

• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 (SBC, AAC, LDAC)

• Battery Life: 5.5 hours with ANC (22 hours with case)

• Earphone Dimensions: 30.5×21.5×20.8mm

• Earphone Weight: 5.2g each

• Driver Size: 12mm

• Charging Case Dimensions: 56×55.5×22.3mm

• Charging Case Weight: 61g

• Case Charging: USB-C

Sound Quality and Noise Cancelling

These earphones utilize high-quality Bluetooth 5.4 alongside standard SBC and AAC audio formats, with support for LDAC for compatible Android devices. They also offer the capability to connect to two devices simultaneously; however, this may slow the Super Mic’s performance.

Previous models from Nothing have consistently provided excellent value, characterized by easy-to-listen sound with ample detail and clear sound separation. The Ear 3 follows this tradition, offering louder sound with a prominent bass response right out of the box. It’s well-balanced and does not overshadow the overall sound range, while the Nothing X companion app allows for extensive customization if desired.

The noise cancellation effectively reduces common ambient sounds and low-frequency commuting noises, handling higher-pitched disturbances like keyboard taps and conversations better than prior Nothing models. However, it doesn’t quite match the level of noise cancellation provided by higher-end alternatives, such as the AirPods Pro 3.

The transparency mode performs admirably, delivering a natural sound; however, neither mode excels at managing wind noise.

Sustainability

The earbuds and charging case are designed to maintain at least 80% battery capacity survival even after 500 complete charge cycles. Although earbuds themselves are not repairable, they can be replaced individually through service if they fall out of warranty.

The casing is made from recycled aluminum and tin, though Nothing does not provide trade-in options. The estimated carbon footprint of the earbuds stands at 2.87kg.

Price

The cost of the Nothing Ear 3 is £179 (179 EUR/$179/AU$299).

For comparison, the Ear priced at £119, the headphone price for 1 is £299, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 costs £219, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is £219, and the Apple AirPods Pro 3 retails for £219.

Verdict

Nothing has introduced some features we haven’t previously encountered in earbuds, such as the integration of a microphone and push-to-talk button directly into the charging case. This concept is original and serves as an excellent alternative to traditional interview or video microphones, albeit lacking in certain aspects.

For non-content creators, this setup is perfect for phone calls, recording voice notes, and interacting with your phone’s AI assistant, resembling a modern dictaphone. However, personal frequency of use may vary.

The earbuds present a noteworthy offering from Nothing, delivering impressive sound quality, effective noise cancellation, robust battery life, and a comfortable fit, making them a refreshing alternative to typical earbuds.

While the price increase to £180 places them alongside some top-tier earbuds, they haven’t yet reached that elite status. Additionally, similar to many competitors in the space, these earbuds are non-repairable, which affects their overall score negatively.

Pros: Super microphone, unique design, excellent sound quality, reliable noise cancellation, comfortable fit, intuitive controls, Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint support, cross-platform app options, and impressive battery life.

Cons: Non-repairable, higher cost than its predecessor, a fairly heavy case, the Super Mic doesn’t fully substitute for a dedicated mic, and noise cancellation struggles in high-noise settings.