Overview

The Nothing Ear (3) refines the transparent wireless earbuds formula with 11mm custom drivers, adaptive ANC rated at 45dB, and LDAC/LHDC 5.0 high-res codecs - all for $149. They compete directly with the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Pixel Buds Pro 3 at a lower price.

Design & Build

Nothing’s signature transparent design is as striking as ever, now with a slightly smaller stem and a redesigned charging case that’s 15% more pocketable. The IP54 rating on the buds is solid for gym use, though the case’s IPX2 is barely splash-resistant. The touch controls are responsive with satisfying haptic feedback, and the pinch gesture on the stem is more intuitive than last year’s tap system. The fit is secure for most ear shapes, but the lack of ear fins means they can work loose during intense workouts.

Performance

The 11mm drivers deliver a V-shaped sound signature with punchy bass that doesn’t overwhelm the mids. The LDAC codec at 990kbps reveals surprising detail for the price - instrument separation in complex tracks like “Money” by Pink Floyd is genuinely impressive at this tier. Adaptive ANC effectively reduces 42dB of ambient noise in our tests, within 2dB of the AirPods Pro 3. Call quality is excellent thanks to the improved AI noise suppression that handles wind well up to 15mph. The LHDC 5.0 codec support is a bonus for compatible Android devices.

Features

Battery life improves to 8.5 hours with ANC off and 5.5 hours with ANC on - competitive with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro but trailing the Sony WF-1000XM6. Wireless charging and fast USB-C charging (10 minutes for 4 hours) are welcome. The Nothing X app offers a 5-band EQ, custom controls, and Find My Earbuds with last-known location. The lack of multipoint Bluetooth is a notable omission at this price, requiring manual switching between devices.

Pros

• Unique transparent design that stands out
• LDAC and LHDC 5.0 high-res codec support
• Good ANC performance approaching premium tier
• Strong call quality with wind noise handling

Cons

• No multipoint Bluetooth connection
• Fit can loosen during exercise
• Case has minimal water resistance
• ANC battery life trails Sony and Apple

Verdict

The Nothing Ear (3) delivers premium sound and ANC features at a mid-range price. If you value design personality and codec flexibility over multipoint convenience, these are the best-looking TWS earbuds under $150.

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