Nothing has built up a pretty strong reputation for making tech that looks and feels a little different from everything else, and the Nothing Ear (3a) earbuds continue that approach nicely. They might not completely reinvent the wireless earbud, but after spending some time with them, we came away pretty impressed by just how much they offer for the money.
The first thing we notice is, unsurprisingly, the design. Nothing has never been afraid to do things differently, and the Ear (3a) follows the company's distinctive aesthetic without becoming too flashy or gimmicky. The charging case is compact, the earbuds are comfortable to wear and the overall build feels reassuringly solid. They're also the sort of earbuds we don't mind leaving on the desk because, unlike a lot of anonymous-looking alternatives, they actually have some personality.
Comfort is particularly important with earbuds, and we found the Ear (3a) easy enough to wear for extended periods. The fit feels secure without putting too much pressure on our ears, although, as always, everyone's ears are different. We had no real problems with them falling out during normal use, making them a good option for commuting, working or simply listening around the house.
Sound quality is another strong point. The Ear (3a) delivers a lively and enjoyable sound that works particularly well with modern music, podcasts and video. There's enough bass to give tracks some weight without completely drowning out the rest of the mix, while vocals remain clear and easy to follow. Audiophiles looking for the ultimate level of detail might want to spend more, but for everyday listening we think these earbuds strike a very appealing balance.
Noise cancellation is also a welcome addition. It won't necessarily match the very best premium earbuds on the market, but it does a good job of taking the edge off background noise. On public transport or in a busy environment, that makes a noticeable difference, and we found ourselves using it regularly rather than treating it as a feature that was there simply for the specification sheet.
Battery life is respectable too, and the case gives us plenty of flexibility between charges. We like the fact that the Ear (3a) doesn't require us to constantly think about battery levels, which is exactly what we want from a pair of everyday wireless earbuds.
There are a few compromises, naturally. The noise cancellation could be stronger, and those looking for the absolute best sound quality will find better options if they're prepared to spend considerably more. But that's really missing the point of the Ear (3a). These are designed to give us a good overall experience without pushing the price into premium territory.
Ultimately, we think Nothing has got the balance pretty much right here. The Ear (3a) look good, sound good, feel comfortable and offer a useful collection of features without making us pay a fortune. They might not be the most technically advanced earbuds we've used, but they are easy to recommend as an enjoyable, stylish and very capable everyday pair.
£99
Visit nothing.tech