I sampled the latest Nothing Ear (3) during a trip from Nashville to my destination, and I won't venture anywhere with any other earbuds.
The tech world has a new contender in the earbud market – the Nothing Ear (3), the first product from the innovative company, Nothing. Launched on July 27, 2021, the Ear (3) is making waves with its design-focused approach and impressive features.
The Ear (3) is equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC, and Low-latency mode for wireless connectivity, ensuring seamless audio streaming. It boasts a triple directional microphone per earbud, a bone-conduction VPU, and a dual-case Super Mic for enhanced call clarity and recording quality.
The charging case for the Ear (3) supports USB-C and wireless charging, and provides a 10-minute quick charge for up to 10 hours of playback. The earbuds themselves have a battery life of 55 mAh per earbud, offering 5.5 hours of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on a single charge, and 22 hours with the case.
The Ear (3) offers a host of features designed to elevate your audio experience. These include Static Spatial Audio, Dynamic Bass Enhancement, Personal Sound via app, Dual Connection, and Super Mic for calls & recordings. Controls on the Ear (3) are handled by pinch gestures, providing more accuracy than taps, although adjusting volume via pinch-and-hold can be fiddly.
The Ear (3) features real-time adaptive noise cancellation and transparency mode for everyday versatility and clarity. It's not perfect for those who want earbuds with class-leading ANC or extensive battery life for all-day sessions, but it does offer a solid adaptive ANC. The adaptive ANC is solid, but it does not rival Sony or Bose's over-ear kings in sub-bass rumble or wind reduction.
The Ear (3) produces clean highs and punchy lows, with powerful yet controlled bass and clear vocals and mids. It offers a deeper, wider soundstage than previous generations, due to its oversized 12mm drivers.
The Ear (3) is a brilliant fit for listeners who value personalised audio tuning, strong ANC, and next-level call clarity. It's comfortable for long listening sessions, but the stem controls are incredibly sensitive. The charging case is crafted from 100% recycled aluminium and is durable, but may be bulkier than some competitors due to its advanced features.
The Ear (3) has an IP54 rating for dust, sweat, and light rain resistance, making it a reliable companion for your active lifestyle. It brings meaningful upgrades over the Ear and Ear (2) while carving out space in a competitive market with features no rival currently offers, especially the Super Mic and AI app connectivity.
In summary, the Nothing Ear (3) is a design-focused pair of in-ear buds that delivers on personalised audio tuning, strong ANC, and next-level call clarity. While it may not be perfect for those seeking class-leading ANC or extensive battery life, it offers a unique blend of features that sets it apart in the crowded earbud market.
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