Nothing Nothing Ear (3) Wireless Earbuds Super Mic 45dB Review

The Nothing Ear (3) wireless earbuds offer exceptional sound and microphone quality for around $150, with effective hybrid ANC and a unique Super Mic in the case for clear calls anywhere. Battery life is just okay, but for music lovers and frequent callers, they're a compelling choice.

If you're looking for wireless earbuds around $150 that promise great sound and a killer microphone, the Nothing Ear (3) is probably on your radar. These true wireless earbuds feature hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) rated up to 45dB, Hi-Res audio support, and a unique 'Super Mic' system built into the charging case for clearer calls in noisy places. They're IP54 rated for sweat and water resistance, making them a solid pick for workouts, and they connect via Bluetooth 5.4. The big question is whether they can hang with established champs from Sony and Bose at this price.

Let's talk numbers. In our database, the Ear (3) lands in the 96th percentile for both sound quality and microphone performance. That's seriously impressive. The 12mm dynamic drivers deliver a balanced, detailed sound with punchy bass that doesn't overwhelm. The ANC is effective, sitting in the 87th percentile, and does a good job muting constant low-end rumbles like plane engines or office HVAC. But there's a catch: battery life scores in the 11th percentile. You get about 10 hours of playback with ANC off, and 38 total with the case, which is fine for a day but lags behind many competitors. The low-latency gaming mode works well, and the Nothing X app offers solid EQ customization.

At $149, the Nothing Ear (3) sits in a competitive sweet spot. You're getting near-flagship-tier sound and mic performance without paying $250+ for a Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. The trade-off is primarily battery life and that last bit of ANC polish. If your main priorities are audio fidelity and clear calls, and you don't mind charging a bit more often, the value here is strong.

Compared directly, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offers similar ANC performance and better battery life for less money, but its sound signature is more bass-heavy and less refined. The Sony WF-1000XM5 is the ANC king, with better noise blocking, stellar battery, and superb sound, but it costs about $100 more. The Nothing Ear (a) is a more affordable sibling with less effective ANC and a simpler mic setup. For call quality specifically, the Ear (3)'s Super Mic gives it an edge over the JBL Tune Flex and many others in this range, provided you use the case feature.

Skip the Nothing Ear (3) if you need marathon battery life for long trips without charging. Travelers who prioritize all-day playback and the strongest possible ANC should look at the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds instead. Also, if you never take calls in noisy environments, you won't use the standout Super Mic feature, making a simpler option like the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC potentially better value.

So, should you buy the Nothing Ear (3)? If your top priorities are excellent sound, best-in-class call clarity (especially in noise), and effective ANC in a stylish, comfortable package, then yes, absolutely. They're fantastic for commuters, hybrid workers, and anyone who takes a lot of calls on the go. But if you need all-day battery life without a thought, or you demand the absolute strongest noise cancellation for long flights, you might want to look at the Sony WF-1000XM5 or even the older XM4, despite the higher price. For most people, the Ear (3) delivers where it counts.