Nothing Ear (3)
Nothing's flagship earbuds with a unique Super Mic feature (case doubles as a handheld microphone), 45dB hybrid ANC, 12mm drivers, and the brand's signature transparent design with metal accents.
Where to buy
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Our take
Nothing Ear (3) scores 81/100 and proves that $179 earbuds can compete with the big boys — especially when they frequently drop below $150.
The Super Mic feature is genuinely clever: the case doubles as a handheld microphone for crystal-clear calls. 45dB hybrid ANC at this price point is impressive, LDAC support delivers high-res audio, and the transparent design still turns heads. Ease of use scores 85/100, and value hits 82/100 — those are strong numbers for a mid-ranger.
In the AI Earbuds category, these lack the translation features of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and the health tracking of AirPods Pro 3. No real-time translation, no heart rate sensor. Battery at 5.5 hours with ANC is slightly below the competition. These are audio-first earbuds, not AI companions.
At $179 MSRP with a lowest price of $149, the "Fair price" label is accurate. Nothing frequently runs promotions, so catching these under $150 is very doable.
Bottom line: Buy if you want excellent ANC earbuds with personality at a fair price — skip if you need AI features like translation or health monitoring.
Pros & cons
What we like
- Unique Super Mic feature for clear phone calls
- Strong 45dB ANC at a mid-range price
- LDAC support for high-resolution audio
- Distinctive transparent design
- Frequently on sale below $150
What could be better
- No real-time translation features
- No health tracking sensors
- Battery life slightly below competitors
- Limited ecosystem integration
Key features
Who is this for?
Best for
Tech enthusiasts who want great ANC earbuds with a unique design and the clever Super Mic feature at a competitive price.
Not ideal for
Users who need translation features or health tracking from their earbuds.
How it scores
Review scores
Price history (estimated)
Specifications
| driver | 12mm dynamic driver |
|---|---|
| anc | 45dB Hybrid ANC |
| battery | 5.5 hours ANC on, case: 500mAh |
| connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4 + LDAC |
| water_resistance | IP55 |
| features | Super Mic case, Dual Connect, 6 microphones |
Compatibility
Full feature set works best with Nothing phones but compatible with all Bluetooth devices
Featured in our guides
Compare Nothing Ear (3) with
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