Nothing Ear (3) Review: Style, ANC, Sound & Comfort Upgrade

Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 / 5)
A stylish, high-performing pair of earbuds with energetic sound, adaptive ANC, and a unique transparent design—made even better with a more secure, comfortable fit using Comply TrueGrip™ TWo-210-C memory-foam ear tips.

⭐ Pros & Cons

✔ Pros

• Iconic transparent design with premium accents

• Lively, energetic sound with LDAC support

• Good ANC for daily environments

• Wireless charging + multipoint Bluetooth

• Comfortable stem-style fit for many users

• Unique Super Mic case feature

✖ Cons

• Silicone tips vary in comfort depending on ear shape

• Wind noise can affect ANC performance

• Battery life is good but not best-in-class

• Housing may feel slightly large for very small ears

Design & Build Quality

Nothing has carved out a clear identity in the wireless earbud space, and Ear (3) reinforces that vision. The transparent housings reveal internal components, giving the earbuds a technical, futuristic look. Aluminum accents add structure and durability, while the charging case maintains the brand’s distinctive aesthetic with a slim, square profile.

One standout feature is the Super Mic built into the case. By using the case as an external microphone, users can record clearer voice notes or commentary when shooting content—though quality varies by environment.

The earbuds and case offer IP54 dust and water resistance, making them suitable for commuting, light exercise, and day-to-day use.

Fit & Comfort

The included silicone tips are soft and comfortable, offering a generally secure fit for short and moderate listening sessions. However, like many earbuds in this shape category, the seal can loosen over time or during movement depending on ear anatomy.

Users who prefer a more locked-in feel may benefit from switching to memory-foam tips, which conform to the ear canal and help maintain a more consistent fit.

This is not required for everyone, but it’s a useful upgrade for those who’ve experienced earbuds shifting or losing bass due to seal issues.

Sound Quality

The Ear (3) deliver an energetic, lively sound signature with punchy bass, forward vocals, and crisp treble detail. They strike a fun balance: engaging enough for modern genres like pop and electronic, yet refined enough for podcasts and acoustic tracks.

Bass response is strong when the seal is good. A weak seal will noticeably reduce low-end presence — something common with many earbuds in this size and shape category.

Mids remain natural and intelligible, especially for vocals and spoken content. Treble has a clean edge, though it can get slightly sharp at higher volumes depending on track mastering.

Overall, the Ear (3) offer an enjoyable sound signature that competes well above their price point.

Noise Isolation & Use in Real Life

Nothing’s adaptive ANC system performs admirably for the price. It handles everyday environments well, but isn’t attempting to compete with premium flagship ANC.

Indoor (office, cafés)
HVAC noise, chatter, and light background sound are noticeably reduced.

Transit (bus, train, airport)
Low-frequency rumble is softened effectively, though top-tier ANC earbuds still offer stronger suppression.

Outdoors
Wind noise can impact performance — common across many ANC earbuds.

Users who want stronger passive isolation may see improvement from memory-foam tips, as they create a tighter seal before ANC even activates. This can help keep the listening environment more consistent during travel or in busy spaces.

Battery Life & Controls

Battery performance lands in the “good, but not exceptional” category:

• Up to 5.5 hours with ANC

• Up to 10 hours without ANC

• Up to 22–38 hours total with the charging case

The case supports wireless charging and USB-C. Controls are intuitive, using stem pinch gestures that reduce accidental touches.

Connectivity is excellent:

• Bluetooth 5.4

• Multipoint pairing

• Fast Pair (Android) and Swift Pair (Windows)

This makes switching between devices seamless.

Who the Nothing Ear (3) Are For

Best For:

• Android users who want LDAC + multipoint

• Listeners who love a fun, punchy sound signature

• Anyone who appreciates unique, transparent design

• Commuters, travelers, and hybrid workers

• Light gym and workout users (even better with foam)

Not Ideal For:

• Users who want the absolute strongest ANC

• Listeners who prefer a fully neutral sound

• Very small ears (housing size may be large)

• People seeking all-day battery life without recharging

⭐ Best Alternatives to Consider

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do the Nothing Ear (3) fit small or large ears better?
They fit most ear shapes well, though users with smaller ears may prefer the compact profile. A deeper seal may require trying alternate tip sizes.

2. Is the ANC strong enough for commuting?
Yes — it handles low-frequency noise well, though wind and sudden loud sounds can break through, similar to other mid-range ANC earbuds.

3. Can the sound signature be customized?
Yes. Nothing’s app includes a full EQ and preset options for tailoring bass, mids, and treble to personal preference.

4. What tips work best if I want a tighter seal?
Users who prefer a more secure in-ear feel often switch to memory-foam tips for added stability and passive isolation, though it's optional.

How Foam Tips Enhance the Ear (3) Experience (Optional Upgrade)

Foam tips such as the Comply TrueGrip™ TWo-210-C expand to the ear canal’s shape, helping create a deeper, more secure seal. Users who have trouble with silicone tips loosening over time may find:

• more stable fit during movement

• improved bass consistency

• better passive noise isolation

• reduced need for high ANC levels

• increased long-term comfort

Not everyone needs foam, but for those who do, it’s a noticeable quality-of-life upgrade.

🧠Final Thoughts

The Nothing Ear (3) deliver a rare combination of style, sound quality, ANC, and unique mic features, all wrapped in a transparent design that stands out without sacrificing function.

Out of the box, they’re comfortable and enjoyable—but they truly shine when paired with Comply TrueGrip™ TWo-210-C memory-foam tips, offering:

• Better long-term comfort

• More secure fit

• Improved passive isolation

• Fuller, more balanced sound

If you want earbuds that look different, sound great, and adapt to your daily routine—with a simple upgrade that unlocks their best performance—the Ear (3) are an easy recommendation.

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