In-ear headphones Nothing in the ears 3 (A) test

The Nothing Ear 3(A) is a slimmed-down and therefore also cheaper version of the very successful Nothing Ear 3. We test how much the compromises are worth and for whom in-ear headphones are particularly suitable.

The latest flagship model, the Nothing Ear 3, actually cut a good figure in our testing. Now we want to take a closer look at its cheaper brother of around 50 euros: the Nothing Ear 3 (A) are aimed at the hard-fought market just below the magical 100-euro threshold. Concept: Offers uniformly good performance with a few drawbacks compared to the flagship model. Which features are absolutely avoided and whether the price-performance ratio is still right in the end (or even better), we clarify here in the test.

The two earphones of the Nothing Ear 3 (A) are designed to be a flagship model and are well protected from dust and water according to IP54. The only obvious differences are when it comes to the loading case which is somewhat more compact on the Ear 3 (A), but only has a much more susceptible IPX2 certification (compared to the IP55 protection class in the top model).

The essential transparency look with a transparent plastic is also offered in cheaper models and looks simply cool and prestigious. A real eye-catcher—with strong AirPods-Pro vibes! Apart from black and white, there is only one color version in yellow. As expected, there is nothing to complain about in terms of wearing comfort due to the pleasant ergonomics. At 4.8 grams, the in-ears are still pleasantly light in the ears and can still be easily adapted to different sizes via the three ear inserts. Here, we would also prefer to size up at least one more pair for the most perfect fit as possible, but in our case it could be found with three variants offered.

As expected, the first feature and pairing of the Nothing Ear 3 (A) is as good as with the flagship model. Once the earbuds are recognized the app does everything necessary and then leads to a short operating tutorial. Operating options directly on the earphones are very limited, but quickly become attractive and practical and can be slightly adjusted in the app. There are also ANC controls, a bass boost option in five intensity levels and a very simple equalizer with four presets (balance, more bass, greater heights And Agree,

The equalizer’s professional mode with eight bands, a hearing test feature, and the opportunity to save more than one EQ profile were removed—this is only available in the flagship model.

There’s also a blemish on features: Nothing EAR 3(A) offers the LHDC 5.0 codec, but is still pretty well positioned with SBC, AAC and the higher res codec LDAC. Contemporary Bluetooth 5.3, Bluetooth multipoint, a stretcher recognition, a fit check and a low-lag mode – even that one detail is identical to the flagship variant.

Battery performance, on the other hand, is more of an upgrade than the name suggests: the Nothing Ear 3(a) offers a duration of 5.5 hours when on ANC—and slightly better endurance than the total of 24.5 hours the charging case—offers. Better endurance is more expensive brother. In total, there is up to 42.5 hours (without ANC). All in all, these are typical prices for an in-ear model. Fast charging is also on board: after about 10 minutes of loading time, the battery is again fit for up to 10 hours of music playback. SCHADE: Wireless charging, as possible with flagships, is (unfortunately) gone here.

The Nothing Ear 3(A) install the same dynamic 11mm drivers as the more expensive variants, but deliver high-quality ceramic membranes. Here you have to listen very carefully to notice a difference. Basically, the sound is really good. Especially when high-res code is used. The sound image is largely the same: at basic settings, the sound is pleasantly neutral and balanced. Upon request, some work can be done on the rudimentary equalizer and bass boost feature, but not as elaborate as with more expensive models. The bass amplifier in five stages will certainly convince fans of Fat Beats especially strongly. However, the intensity should not overdo it, because – depending on the song – it can quickly become overlapping here.

The ANC performance of the A model is nothing like that of the Ear 3. Not at the top level, like with Apple’s AirPods Pro (test report), but close. The earbuds are generally well shielded. Talk in a busy café and the climber, i.e. the ANC test, move far into the distance and can hardly be perceived without music playing.

Noise cancellation can be regulated into three intensity levels—or adaptive. It is worth noting: the higher the interference, the lower the basic noise. In Aware mode, which is reassuring in itself, the intoxication effect is the strongest and is actually a bit annoying in the long run. To do this, your own voice makes a lot of noise in your ears while speaking. Others get the transparency mode much better, like the Bose QC Earbuds 2 (test report).

With an RRP of 99 euros, the Nothing Ear 3(A) positions itself in the upper entry-level segment. At the time of testing, it is already up for Amazon in all three color variants 79 euros To keep.

The Nothing Ear 3(A) is a rock solid and consistently reassuring in-ear headphone that delivers really good quality for its price in all the important criteria—and looks really chic too. Nothing like the Ear 3, the A-model narrowly misses its high-flyer potential. Well worth the 50 euro price reduction on the wireless charging, LHDC codec, ceramic membrane, red pencil in the app perimeter and also on the loading case. But hand in hand: with an extremely strong competition scene in the segment up to 100 euros, it is important to steal rather than splurge to stand out from the crowd. App features specifically designed for sound personalization could have been omitted, or at least in part.

Of course, this is complaining at a high level. Basically, price-agnostic buyers don’t see anything wrong with an EAR 3(A). You totally get everyday in-ears that can’t afford a real carver. On the other hand, if you do not want to do without the featured features and, above all, want more sound personalization, you use the more expensive Nothing Ear 3.

+ Good sound and ANC performance

Photography for beginners. Heise online

– Limited app functions