Nothing Ear (3a) unveiled with ANC and up to 42 hours of total battery life

Meet the Nothing Ear (3a): Punchier Bass and Clever Recording Features

Alongside the arrival of the Nothing Phone (4b), the team over at Nothing has pulled the curtain back on their latest audio companion: the Nothing Ear (3a). If you’ve been waiting for a refined update to their popular true wireless lineup, these might just hit the mark.

Design-wise, they stick to the familiar, sleek in-ear look, but with a practical tweak—there’s now an extra-small (XS) silicone ear tip option for a more personalized fit. Inside, you’ll find 12mm dynamic drivers that pack a bit more punch than the previous Ear (a) model, delivering a noticeable 5dB boost in bass performance.

Key Audio and Connectivity Highlights:

Active Noise Cancellation: Tacks on up to 45dB of silence, alongside a natural-sounding Transparency mode.
Spatial Audio: Immerse yourself in a wider soundstage.
Next-Gen Connectivity: Features the latest Bluetooth 6.0, plus reliable Google Fast Pair and support for high-quality codecs like LDAC, AAC, and SBC.

One of the most intriguing additions is the built-in 32MB of storage. It’s not just for show; Nothing has included a unique audio recording feature. You can record up to a minute of audio directly to the buds, which includes a handy “pre-record” buffer—capturing 30 seconds of audio from right before you hit the button. Perfect for those moments when inspiration strikes unexpectedly.

When it comes to longevity, these buds are marathon runners. With ANC active, you’re looking at six hours of playback, stretching to 25 hours total with the case. Flip the ANC off, and those numbers climb to 10 hours and a massive 42 hours, respectively. And if you’re in a rush, a quick five-minute plug-in nets you an extra hour of listening time.

While the buds themselves feel like a familiar evolution of the Ear (a), the case has received a subtle glow-up. It now sports a rounder, more pocketable shape and a cleaner, more intuitive status light. Available in Black, Pink, White, and a signature Yellow, the Nothing Ear (3a) launches at a competitive $99/£99/€99, keeping high-end features accessible for everyone.