Nothing Ear (3a): a true wireless review

Harriet L. Whitmore • August 17, 2026 15:25

Nothing is back with a fresh pair of true wireless earbuds: the Nothing Ear (3a). The promise is familiar-top-tier features for less money. Does it deliver?

By now, Nothing has become a recognised name in the tech world. Back in 2021, the brand entered the scene with a true wireless model that turned heads: the Nothing Ear (1). Since then, the line-up has expanded to include over-ear headphones, open-fit earbuds, and more affordable products marketed under the “(a)” label. Today, the British company introduces its latest addition: the Nothing Ear (3a).

The recipe hasn’t changed: aim for the best at a lower price, wrapped in a distinctive design. With the Ear (3a), Nothing sticks to its principles and produces a strong all-rounder.

Price and availability

The Nothing Ear (3a) will be available from 8 July via the manufacturer’s website and selected retail partners. They are priced at 99 euros-an intentionally aggressive figure that shows you can buy earbuds with active noise cancellation for under 100 euros. On paper, it looks like a bargain. The real question is how it holds up day to day.

A pop design that’s still a pleasure

Nothing keeps its winning formula intact with the Ear (3a). Once again, the brand leans into a design language built around transparency and clean lines. This 2026 edition comes in several colours: black, white, pink, and-most notably-yellow, the version being promoted and the one we’re testing here.

The overall styling closely follows the previous model, the 2024 Ear (a). The case retains its simple shape, with an oval “chamber” and broad edges. It’s easy to grip and operate, even when you’re being jostled on the pavement (tested and approved). The case is also light at 40 grams, and its rounded form means it doesn’t awkwardly bulge your pockets. Inside, the layout is just as straightforward: a pairing button, tidy bays for each bud, and Nothing’s familiar colour cues to distinguish right from left (red and white). It’s uncomplicated-and it works.

The big change for 2026 is the arrival of the “Matrix” LED, built directly into the case. This strip-actually made up of three separate LEDs-resembles the one found on the Nothing Phone (4a). Its value is in quick, glanceable information: red signals a low battery, the bar fills as it charges, and flashing indicates pairing or an update. Clear, useful, and very effective.

As for the earbuds themselves, they remain true to the look Nothing has been refining from the start. They weigh under 5 grams each, come with rubber tips in four sizes (including XS), and the transparent stem still makes an impression. In the ear, the fit is excellent. Even while running, they don’t budge. It’s a benchmark for stability in this category. Both the earbuds and the case are IP54 rated, meaning they’re resistant to splashes and sweat-handy if you plan to use them for exercise. Finally, Nothing continues to include its effective, customisable press-control system.

From a design point of view, it’s a win. The plastic can feel a touch too “toy-like” (the yellow finish plays a part), but overall the result is very strong. Nothing clearly knows how to make its products stand out.

Still top-notch sound, plus welcome battery life

On the audio side, Nothing tweaks the formula by moving to 12 mm drivers, up from 11 mm on the previous generation. The sound remains punchy, although the bass can occasionally come across as a little too aggressive-a common trick to hide weaker mids. Whether you’re listening to rock, electronic music, or classical, the outcome is still highly enjoyable. Where the Ear (3a) really shines, though, is voice reproduction, which makes these earbuds particularly well suited to podcasts.

Nothing is clearly aware of this strength. With the Ear (3a), the brand adds Audio Snapshot. By pinching both stems at the same time, you can record a voice note that is transcribed directly in the Nothing X app. It’s a clever idea and it works well, even if it does feel slightly gimmicky. That said, it could genuinely help journalists or students who want to capture specific moments from an interview, a lecture, or a podcast.

Of course, the headline feature is the active noise cancellation system. ANC performs extremely well, with attenuation up to 45 decibels. Once they’re in, you feel properly cut off from your surroundings-with or without music. It’s ideal if, like this writer, you try to work near a few noisy colleagues who make concentration difficult. The Transparency mode is less impressive, however. It isn’t terrible, but it doesn’t match higher-end models, especially when it comes to reproducing engine noise. That matters if you like listening outdoors while staying aware of what’s happening around you.

A special mention also goes to the noise-reducing microphones, which do an excellent job. Even on a busy boulevard, the person you’re speaking to can hear you clearly despite engines and horns.

Finally, one of the Ear (3a)’s biggest strengths is battery life. Each earbud includes a 55 mAh battery, while the case houses a 500 mAh cell. Nothing claims up to 10 hours of listening without ANC and six hours with it-and our testing matches those figures. In practice, that means more than 40 hours in total without ANC, and 25 hours with ANC enabled. That puts the Ear (3a) towards the top end of the market, with a small improvement over previous Ear models.

So, should you buy them?

Nothing has always stood out for one thing: delivering well-made products that borrow the feel of premium models while keeping the price extremely competitive. With the Ear (3a), that goal is achieved once again.

They’re not flawless-there’s still room to refine the sound, and the Transparency mode lags behind the best-but the overall experience is excellent for the money. It’s worth repeating: they cost just 99 euros. And much of their appeal comes from the distinctive, colourful (or not, depending on your taste) design. They’re the kind of earbuds that catch the eye-and, potentially, the buyer.

So, are they worth it? If you want maximum quality for the price and you can live with a few shortcomings, the Ear (3a) is undoubtedly one of this year’s best options. A very solid effort from the British brand.