Nothing Ear (3) Review: Premium Wireless Earbuds with Innovative Super Mic

The Nothing Ear (3) arrives as the latest evolution in the company's distinctive approach to consumer electronics. With its signature transparent aesthetic, these wireless earbuds combine contemporary design with impressive technical capabilities. The most striking addition is the innovative Super Mic integration within the charging case – a feature that transforms how we approach voice recording and calls.

Priced at £179, the Nothing Ear (3) positions itself firmly in the premium segment, competing directly with established players whilst maintaining the brand's commitment to transparent design and thoughtful engineering.

The Nothing Ear (3) continues the brand's design philosophy with its distinctive transparent construction. The charging case and earbuds showcase internal components through polished clear plastic, creating an aesthetic that's both technical and elegant. This isn't merely superficial – the transparent design serves as a visual statement about the product's engineering.

The charging case features a smooth, rounded form factor that sits comfortably in the palm. Its dimensions are compact enough for pocket carry, whilst the transparent shell allows you to monitor the earbuds' charging status at a glance. The case supports both USB-C wired charging and Qi wireless charging, offering flexibility in how you power your earbuds.

The earbuds themselves adopt an ergonomic in-ear design with silicone tips in three sizes (small, medium, large). The IP54 rating provides protection against dust and water splashes, making them suitable for gym sessions and light rain exposure. However, the charging case lacks water resistance certification, requiring careful handling in damp conditions.

Build quality is excellent throughout. The plastics feel premium, the hinges operate smoothly, and there's a satisfying click when closing the case. The transparent construction reveals meticulous internal engineering, with components arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner that showcases the technical sophistication within.

Comfort during extended wear is paramount for wireless earbuds, and the Nothing Ear (3) performs admirably in this regard. The in-ear design with silicone tips creates an effective seal for both sound isolation and audio quality, whilst the relatively lightweight construction (approximately 4.4g per earbud) prevents fatigue during long listening sessions.

The three included silicone tip sizes ensure most users will find a secure, comfortable fit. The earbuds sit relatively flush with the ear, avoiding the protruding appearance of some competitors. This design choice not only looks cleaner but also reduces the risk of dislodgement during physical activity.

Touch controls are integrated into the outer surface of each earbud. These can be customised through the Nothing X application, allowing users to assign functions such as play/pause, track skip, volume adjustment, and ANC mode switching. The touch surfaces respond reliably, though they require a learning period to develop muscle memory for different control gestures.

For phone calls and voice recording, the Nothing Ear (3) employs multiple microphones with active noise reduction. However, the standout feature is the Super Mic – a dedicated microphone integrated into the charging case, which we'll explore in detail later.

The Nothing X application (available for both Android and iOS) serves as the command centre for the Ear (3). The app interface follows Nothing's minimalist design language, presenting controls clearly without unnecessary complexity.

Key application features include:

• Advanced equaliser: An 8-band EQ allows precise sound customisation, with multiple presets and the ability to create custom profiles
• Noise cancellation control: Seamless switching between ANC, Transparency, and Off modes with adjustable intensity
• Low-latency mode: Reduces audio delay for gaming and video content (achieving as low as 110ms when paired with Nothing phones)
• Customisable controls: Comprehensive mapping of touch gestures to various functions
• Super Mic management: Access to the case-integrated microphone for enhanced voice recording
• Firmware updates: Regular software enhancements delivered over-the-air

The app also displays battery levels for both earbuds and the case, providing essential usage information at a glance. Integration with Android Fast Pair and Apple's Find My network facilitates easy pairing and device tracking.

The Nothing Ear (3) supports dual connection, allowing simultaneous pairing with two devices. This feature proves invaluable when switching between a laptop and smartphone, though it does impact the Super Mic's functionality when both connections are active.

The Nothing Ear (3) delivers impressive audio performance through its 11mm drivers and support for advanced codecs. The inclusion of LDAC codec enables 24-bit Hi-Res audio transmission, offering superior sound quality compared to standard Bluetooth audio when paired with compatible devices.

Audio characteristics:

The sound signature leans towards a balanced profile with slightly elevated bass response. This tuning choice provides satisfying impact for contemporary genres whilst maintaining clarity in mid-range frequencies essential for vocals and instruments. The treble presentation is crisp without becoming harsh, though listeners who prefer analytical sound signatures might find the tuning somewhat consumer-oriented.

The 8-band equaliser in the Nothing X app provides extensive sound customisation capabilities. Users can fine-tune frequency response to personal preference, and the changes are applied in real-time without requiring disconnection. The EQ adjustments are preserved across firmware updates, maintaining your custom sound profile.

Testing with various musical genres reveals the Ear (3)'s versatility. Classical compositions benefit from the balanced frequency response, maintaining instrument separation without emphasising any particular range. Electronic music gains satisfying bass depth without overwhelming the mix, whilst rock and pop genres sound energetic and engaging.

The LDAC codec support genuinely enhances audio quality when using compatible Android devices. The difference is most apparent in complex musical passages where standard codecs might introduce compression artifacts. iPhone users are limited to AAC, which still delivers respectable quality but doesn't reach the fidelity heights of LDAC.

The Nothing Ear (3) employs hybrid active noise cancellation, combining feedforward and feedback microphones to achieve up to 45dB of noise reduction – a theoretical maximum that represents significant advancement from previous models.

ANC performance in various environments:

Transport noise: On trains and buses, the ANC effectively suppresses low-frequency rumble and engine noise. Announcements and conversations become muted, creating a cocoon for focused listening or work.

Office environments: Air conditioning hum, keyboard typing, and distant conversations are substantially reduced. The Ear (3) creates a quieter workspace without complete isolation, maintaining some environmental awareness.

Aircraft cabins: Engine noise is impressively suppressed, making long-haul flights more comfortable. However, the highest-frequency components (such as some turbulence sounds) remain partially audible.

Street noise: Traffic noise is significantly reduced, though sudden sounds like car horns or sirens remain audible for safety. Wind noise can affect ANC performance during outdoor walking, a common limitation of in-ear designs.

The ANC intensity can be adjusted through the app, allowing users to dial in the desired level of isolation. This flexibility is valuable when you need some environmental awareness whilst still benefiting from noise reduction.

Transparency mode reverses the ANC system, using the external microphones to amplify ambient sound. This proves useful for brief conversations or situational awareness without removing the earbuds. The implementation is natural-sounding, avoiding the artificial quality that mars some competitors' transparency modes.

Battery performance is competitive within the premium segment, though not class-leading. The Nothing Ear (3) achieves:

Earbuds alone:

• Up to 5.5 hours with ANC active
• Up to 10 hours with ANC disabled

Total with charging case:

• Up to 38 hours combined (ANC varies)

These figures were achieved under controlled testing conditions (50% volume, AAC codec, mixed ANC usage). Real-world battery life will vary based on volume levels, codec selection, and ANC usage intensity.

The fast charging capability is particularly impressive: a mere 5-minute charge provides approximately 10 hours of playback (with ANC off). This feature proves invaluable when you need a quick boost before heading out.

Charging options include USB-C wired charging (70 minutes for full charge with suitable adapter) and Qi wireless charging. The wireless charging capability adds convenience, allowing you to drop the case on a charging pad without fumbling for cables.

Battery management through the app shows individual earbud percentages and case charge level, helping you plan charging sessions effectively.

The most innovative feature of the Nothing Ear (3) is undoubtedly the Super Mic – a dedicated microphone integrated into the charging case. This solves a persistent problem with wireless earbuds: voice recording quality for calls and content creation.

Super Mic operation:

Opening the case lid activates the Super Mic, which can be used for:

• Enhanced call quality using the case as a handheld microphone
• Voice recording applications (subject to app compatibility)
• Voice assistant activation with superior clarity

The Super Mic demonstrates noticeably improved audio capture compared to the earbud microphones. Voice recordings exhibit better clarity, reduced background noise, and more natural tonality. For content creators recording podcasts or voice notes, the quality difference is substantial.

Practical considerations:

The Super Mic's effectiveness depends on several factors:

• Distance from mouth: Optimal results require positioning the case within 40cm in quiet environments, or within 5cm in noisy conditions
• Dual connection impact: Using two simultaneous Bluetooth connections delays Super Mic activation
• Application compatibility: Some apps may not support the case microphone functionality

Whilst the Super Mic represents genuine innovation, its practical utility varies by use case. For professional voice recording, dedicated equipment remains superior. However, for casual recording and calls, the Super Mic provides a meaningful quality improvement over standard earbud microphones.

The Nothing Ear (3) employs Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity, offering improved range and stability compared to earlier Bluetooth versions. Connection reliability proved excellent during testing, with no unexpected dropouts during normal use.

Platform integration:

Android: Full feature access including LDAC codec, Fast Pair for instant setup, and Find My Device integration. Nothing phone users gain additional benefits like lower-latency gaming mode (110ms).

iOS: Good compatibility with AAC codec, Find My network integration, and full app functionality. LDAC support is unavailable due to iOS limitations.

The dual connection feature allows simultaneous pairing with two devices, facilitating seamless switching between, for example, a laptop and smartphone. The transition between devices is generally smooth, though occasional manual switching may be required.

The IP54 rating provides dust and splash resistance for the earbuds, offering protection during workouts and light rain exposure. The charging case, however, lacks official water resistance certification, requiring more careful handling.

Build quality inspires confidence for long-term reliability. The materials feel premium, the hinges operate smoothly through repeated cycles, and there are no concerning creaks or looseness. The transparent construction allows visual inspection of internal components, potentially aiding in future repairability assessments.

The replaceable silicone tips represent a wear item that users can easily replace, extending the earbuds' practical lifespan. Nothing's commitment to firmware updates suggests ongoing software support, adding value retention over time.

The Nothing Ear (3) represents a compelling option in the premium wireless earbud market. At £179, it delivers high-quality audio, effective noise cancellation, and innovative features like the Super Mic that differentiate it from competitors.

Strengths:

• Distinctive transparent design executed with quality
• Excellent sound quality with LDAC Hi-Res audio support
• Effective 45dB hybrid ANC with adjustable intensity
• Innovative Super Mic for enhanced voice recording
• Comprehensive app with 8-band EQ and extensive customisation
• Dual connection support
• Fast charging capability
• IP54 water and dust resistance

Limitations:

• Super Mic functionality dependent on app compatibility
• Charging case lacks water resistance
• Battery life good but not exceptional
• Dual connection impacts Super Mic operation
• Wind noise can affect outdoor ANC performance

For users seeking premium wireless earbuds with distinctive design and thoughtful features, the Nothing Ear (3) delivers excellent value. The Super Mic innovation, whilst not universally applicable, demonstrates Nothing's willingness to explore new solutions to common problems. The combination of attractive design, solid audio performance, and effective noise cancellation makes these earbuds a strong contender in a competitive market segment.