Nothing has officially unveiled its latest pair of true wireless earbuds, the Nothing Ear (3), marking a significant step forward for the company’s audio lineup. 
While the brand continues to embrace its iconic transparent aesthetic, this third-generation model introduces a fresh metallic touch and a suite of upgraded technologies designed to refine both sound quality and everyday usability.
Design: Transparent Identity with a Metallic Twist
The design language of the Ear (3) remains unmistakably Nothing. The clear casing that made the brand recognizable from day one is still here, but now it’s accented with polished metal elements. These aren’t just for show. At the heart of this shift is a custom Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) antenna, engineered to improve signal sensitivity and radiated power. The result should be a more stable connection that doesn’t drop as easily in crowded environments.
Even the case has been thoughtfully reimagined. Constructed entirely from 100% recycled aluminum, it balances sustainability with durability. By using advanced nano injection molding, Nothing managed to remove glue from the assembly process, resulting in a seamless, unibody design. Both the earbuds and the case carry an IP54 rating, offering protection against dust, sweat, and light rain – perfect for workouts or commutes.
Super Mic: A New Standard in Call Clarity
One of the Ear (3)’s standout features is its innovative Super Mic system, cleverly integrated into the charging case. This dual-microphone array can suppress background noise up to 95 dB, ensuring voices cut through even the loudest surroundings. Activating Super Mic is simple: press the TALK button on the case, and your voice takes center stage.
Inside each earbud, three directional microphones are paired with a bone-conduction Voice Pick-up Unit (VPU). This VPU reads the micro-vibrations from the jaw and ear canal and translates them into electrical signals, producing sharper and more accurate speech recognition. Added to this is a multi-channel AI-powered noise cancellation system that reduces environmental noise, with wind noise reduction alone reaching over 25 dB. For those who rely heavily on calls, this combination promises one of the clearest TWS call experiences to date.
Beyond calls, the TALK button has another trick: it allows users to record voice notes directly into Nothing’s Essential Space platform. With a Nothing Phone, these recordings are automatically transcribed, turning spontaneous thoughts into searchable notes without extra effort.
Audio: Bigger Drivers, Better Sound
When it comes to sound, the Ear (3) packs upgraded 12mm dynamic drivers with a 20% larger radiating surface compared to the previous generation. This translates into deeper, punchier bass – boosted by 4-6 dB – alongside clearer treble that’s lifted by up to 4 dB. The tuning aims to balance warm lows, rich mids, and sparkling highs, creating a broader and more immersive soundstage.
Real-time Adaptive Noise Cancellation works in tandem with these drivers, intelligently adjusting suppression based on your surroundings. Whether on a crowded subway or in a quiet room, the Ear (3) adapts to give you the best listening experience without manual toggling.
Battery and Connectivity: Longer Life, Faster Charging
Each bud now houses a 55mAh battery, offering up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge. Pair them with the case, and the total jumps to 38 hours. Need a quick boost? A 10-minute charge via USB-C delivers up to 10 hours of playback. Wireless charging is also supported for added convenience.
On the connectivity front, the Ear (3) embraces the latest Bluetooth 5.4 standard with LDAC support for high-resolution streaming. A dedicated low-latency mode cuts delay to under 120 ms, making them suitable for mobile gaming and streaming video. Compatibility is broad: they pair seamlessly with Android via Google Fast Pair, but also support iOS devices and Windows PCs. The Nothing X app rounds out the package, giving users access to personalized controls and EQ customization.
Price and Availability
Available in sleek black and white finishes, the Nothing Ear (3) is priced at $179. Pre-orders begin on September 18 through nothing.tech, with official retail availability in select regions starting September 25.
With its refined design, cutting-edge microphone system, improved drivers, and longer-lasting battery, the Nothing Ear (3) isn’t just an iteration – it’s a declaration that Nothing wants to set new benchmarks in the competitive TWS market.
1 comment
wonder how durable that transparent case is 🤔