Already distinctive in aesthetic terms, the Nothing brand also manages to stand out thanks to its capacity for innovation. Indeed, with its new Nothing Ear (3) wireless earbuds, the manufacturer retains the transparent design that is its identity, while offering ambitious technological evolutions. Active Noise Reduction (ANC) becomes more effective, while the charging case can be transformed into a microphone. Here’s an overview of these headphones, priced at €179.
Nothing Ear (3): key features
- Wireless earbuds
- 12mm dynamic transducers
- Microphone integrated into the charging case
- Bluetooth receiver (SBC, AAC, LDAC)
- Active noise cancelling and Transparency mode
- Up to 38h of autonomy
- Perspiration-proof (IP54)
The case becomes a microphone
A new feature of the Nothing Ear (3) earbuds is the Super Mic system built into the charging case. It features a dual microphone capable of capturing speech even in very noisy environments, filtering ambient noise up to 95 dB. The user can activate this external microphone via a physical “TALK” button on the case, to switch the audio stream from the earbuds to the case. This makes voice notes and prolonged conversations easier.
These earbuds feature an artificial intelligence-based noise cancelling algorithm, trained on 20 million hours of audio according to the brand. For Nothing smartphone users, additional functions are accessible, such as direct activation of ChatGPT or note transcription via the Nothing X app. Other smartphones retain access to voice assistants via touch controls on the earbuds.
Transparent design, meticulous details
The Nothing Ear (3) Bluetooth earbuds retain the brand’s visual signature: a transparent, immediately recognizable design. The evolution of Ear (3) from the previous generation is in the details, with the integration of a visible metal plate on the stem and top of the earbuds. This aesthetic choice also brings a functional gain: it enables better wireless signal pick-up and limits interference, while improving voice transmission.
The recharge case, as compact as ever, now features an aluminum inner lining. This combination of metal and plastic is assembled without glue using a nano-molded injection technique, giving the case a premium appearance.
Nothing Ear (3): perfected transducers
Nothing also improves sound reproduction. The Nothing Ear (3) earphones now feature 12mm dynamic transducers with a PMI dome and TPU surround, for a broader sound reproduction. The British company claims a 4-6 dB gain in bass and a 4 dB improvement in treble, with harmonic distortion reduced to just 0.2%.
Audio features are also expanded: Spatial Audio static, Dynamic Bass Enhancement for bass reinforcement in games and movies, 8-band equalizer and rapid auditory analysis from the app. The earbuds are Bluetooth 5.4 compatible, handle Multipoint connection and support AAC, SBC and LDAC codecs, guaranteeing Hi-Res transmission at up to 24-bit/96kHz.
More effective active noise cancellation
The Active Noise Cancelling function built into the Nothing Ear (3) earbuds also gains in efficiency. It can reduce ambient sound by up to 45 dB at frequencies up to 5kHz, with automatic adjustment every 600ms.
Nothing has also revamped ergonomics with new, more comfortable silicone tips, a revised stem angle and internal openings that reduce pressure in the ear. The Nothing Ear (3) weigh just 5.2 grams each and are IP54-certified, making them an ideal audio solution for sports.
Summary
With the Nothing Ear (3), the London-based manufacturer offers a coherent and accomplished evolution of its Bluetooth earbuds. The transparent, meticulous design remains a trademark, but it’s above all the contribution of the Super Mic integrated into the case, the enriched sound processing and the more powerful ANC that testify to real progress.
