Launched on September 17, 2025, the Nothing Ear 3 marked the next step in the company’s true wireless earbuds product line. Nothing’s innovative Super Mic technology and enhanced audio performance with Super Mic-equipped true wireless earbuds set new records in the premium earbuds category of the company.
Key Specifications and Features
Below is a detailed table of the Nothing Ear 3 specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $179 |
| Price (India - Expected) | ₹15,000-21,000 (varies by source) |
| Release Date | September 17, 2025 |
| Pre-order Date | September 18, 2025 |
| Driver Size | 12mm |
| Driver Type | Dynamic with patterned diaphragm |
| Frequency Response Enhancement | 4-6dB bass boost, up to 4dB treble boost |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Up to 45dB (Real-time Adaptive) |
| Transparency Mode | Yes, improved clarity |
| Microphones per Earbud | 3 directional + 1 VPU |
| Super Mic (Case) | Dual microphone system |
| Talk Button | Yes, for Super Mic activation |
| Bone Conduction Voice Unit | Yes, detects jaw vibrations |
| AI Noise Cancellation Training | 20 million hours of real-world audio |
| Wind Noise Reduction | Up to 25dB reduction |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 10 hours (no ANC) |
| Battery Life (with ANC) | 5.5 hours |
| Total Battery Life | 38 hours total with case |
| Case Battery | 500mAh |
| Quick Charge | 10 minutes = 10 hours playback |
| Wireless Charging | Yes, supported |
| Charging Port | USB Type-C |
| Full Charge Time (USB-C) | 70 minutes |
| Wireless Charge Time | 120 minutes |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Low Latency Mode | Under 120ms latency |
| Google Fast Pair | Yes |
| Microsoft Swift Pair | Yes |
| Hi-Res Audio | Yes, with LDAC support |
| Spatial Audio | Yes, Static Spatial Audio |
| ChatGPT Integration | Yes, integrated |
| IP Rating (Earbuds) | IP54 |
| IP Rating (Case) | IP54 |
| Weight per Earbud | 5.2g |
| Case Weight | 61g |
| Case Material | 100% recycled aluminum bottom |
| Design | Transparent with metal accents |
| Color Options | Black and White |
| Metal Components | Yes, polished metal accents |
| Antenna Type | Custom Metal-Insulator-Metal (0.35mm) |
| Fit Detection | Yes, in-ear detection |
| Essential Space Integration | Yes, for Nothing OS devices |
| App Support | Nothing X app |
| EQ Customization | Advanced 8-band EQ with Q-factor |
Audio Performance and Drivers
Nothing Ear 3 supports Hi-Res Audio through the LDAC codec. Nothing Ear 3 now features upgraded 12mm dynamic drivers with a patterned diaphragm, an improvement over the previous 11mm drivers. This enhancement delivers 4-6dB stronger bass response and up to 4dB improved treble and up to a 4dB improvement in treble through a wider sound stage and cleaner highs.
Revolutionary Super Mic Technology
The dual-microphone system within the charging case, termed “Super Mic”, is a unique feature. This innovative system, combined with up to 45dB ANC and 25dB wind noise reduction, enhances call clarity. Super Mic is activated through a dedicated TALK button on the case and works seamlessly with phone calls, voice notes, and major apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and WhatsApp.
Advanced Noise Cancellation
The earbuds feature Real-time Adaptive ANC up to 45dB, which automatically adjusts every 600 milliseconds and monitors fit-related leakage every 1,875 milliseconds.
AI-assisted noise canceling trained using 20 million hours of real-world audio has been integrated with each earbud's AI-calibrated bone conduction Voice Pick-Up Unit on the mics to detect jaw motions for clearer calls 3 action-oriented mics each.
Battery Life and Charging
Performance with the new 55mAh batteries on each earbud has boosted battery longevity to 10 hours without ANC/5.5 hours on ANC. 10 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging and total battery life 38 hours with the 500mAh charging case. USB-C case charging (full charge 70 minutes) and wireless charging (full charge 120 minutes) case both support.
Design and Build Quality
First time with metal parts, the Ear 3 features Nothing’s classic transparent design. The charging case has the bottom half of 100% recycled aluminum and undergone 27 manufacturing steps. Both the earbud and case have an IP54 rating for resistance to light rain, sweat, and dust.
Pricing and Availability
For the first time, the previous generations' Ear 3 is ditto with the remainder, priced $179 USD (around ₹15,000-21,000 within India). The official schedule for Pre-orders have started from September 18, 2025 and global availability from September 25, 2025.
The earbuds can be brought in two, different color appointments - Black and White.
Community Reviews and Reception
User Experiences from Reddit and Forums
As for the peers reviews, it is quite positive and most of the users recommend it because of the additional features of sound and personalization. One Reddit user stated, “They are hands down the best earbuds I’ve ever owned. They sound fantastic especially for the price and punch above their weight.” Especially noted were the custom EQ and customized hearing profiles.
Expert Reviews
From the professional reviews, some of the strengths were noted:
- Call quality is noticeably clearer because of Super Mic technology.
- Nice feel of the premium Aluminum case and better battery.
- Sound quality is familiar but is boosted with an enhancement for bass.
- Noise cancellation is advanced.
Though, some of the concerns are noted:
- High price puts it in the hands of stronger competitors.
- Not all Super Mic features work with all other apps.
- Sound tuning is lively and may need some EQ tweaks.
Technical Connectivity and Compatibility
The earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC, AAC, and LDAC codec support. A passive low-latency mode for gaming and video reduces delay to under 120 milliseconds. Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, and automatic pairing with Android, iOS, and Windows devices are supported.
Comparison with Competitors
In the premium earbuds segment, the Nothing Ear 3 directly competes with:
- OnePlus Buds Pro 3 ($179) – Similar pricing, differences in control schemes.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro ($249) – More expensive, but benefits from Galaxy ecosystem.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ($299) – Better ANC, but much pricier.
Community comparisons suggest the Nothing Ear 3 provide better sound options and control customization compared to many competitors while the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 provide better control customization.
Smart Features and Integration
ChatGPT and Essential Space
The earbuds feature integration with ChatGPT and Nothing's Essential Space for AI voice assistance Pro. Voice notes recorded with the Super Mic and transcribed and synced with Essential Space. Currently, this feature is exclusive to Nothing OS devices.
Customization Options
The Nothing X app offers comprehensive customization options through the Nothing X app, including but not limited to:
- Advanced 8-band EQ with Q-factor adjustment.
- Personal sound profiles powered by Audiodo.
- Level 5 dynamic bass enhancement.
- Configurable custom control sets.
Real Life Performance
Audio Quality Assessment
Users report that every genre of music is accompanied by excellent sound quality. The bass is termed as detailed and rich without drowning out the mids and the highs, while the vocals retain their integrity, remain prominent, and well distinguished. The improved soundstage, courtesy to the 12mm drivers, is better than the preceding generations.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
The passing of Super Mic tech call quality to everyone on the other end and surrounding sound was noticed as improved by professionals. People’s opinions on the case is “everybody I talked to on WhatsApp video calling and through Zoom for a virtual meeting said that while I was using the case, I came out much better in terms of definition than before, and there was much clearer enunciation”.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Compared to the other earbuds on the lineup, the Nothing Ear 3 is a more advanced and developed model. Its premium features balanced with the competitive pricing provide a clear advantage. The Audio drivers that are enhanced, Super Mic technology, and better build quality all result in better value for the user that is after more features and great sound quality.
Best suited for:
- The users for whom the primary concern is recording voice and call quality.
- Hi-Res audio with LDAC support available to Android users.
- People who enjoy chain of the Nothing ecosystem to for seamless functionality.
Consider alternatives if:
- You want the features of Nothing Ear (a) available for 95 dollars with a similarity to this model - that is $95 rather than the primary concern for budget.
- Longer Playback is desired, as seen with the rest of the competitors, without the max battery life.
- You prefer
physical button controlsas opposed topinch gestures.
Nothing Ear 3 prices relative to innovation, performance, and value as balanced which makes it one of the contenders of the best true wireless earbud headsets of 2025.