Nothing Ear (3) Review: Super Mic Call Quality, Hi-Res Sound & 45dB ANC

Nothing Ear (3) — bottom line, it's a buy. By building a microphone into the charging case (the "Super Mic"), it fundamentally rethinks call quality, then pairs that with LDAC hi-res audio and up to 45dB of ANC for $179. If call quality matters to you, it's one of the strongest picks you can buy in 2025.

Nothing Ear (3) verdict: a flagship built around call quality

The Nothing Ear (3) is the flagship true-wireless earbud from London-based tech company Nothing. By bringing back the numbered naming it had briefly dropped, this is more than a routine successor — it's an ambitious attempt to seriously tackle the one thing earbuds are supposed to nail: making calls sound good.

A beautifully executed transparent design, hi-res-capable sound, and the case-mounted Super Mic that delivers standout call quality. All three come together at a genuinely high level.

Nothing Ear (3) core specs: how it compares to the previous model

The main changes over the previous model: the driver grows from an 11 mm ceramic unit to a 12 mm dynamic one, the case gains the Super Mic, and single-bud battery life goes from 5.2 to 5.5 hours. Total playback with the case, on the other hand, dips slightly from 24 to 22 hours.

What's great about the Nothing Ear (3)

Super Mic: a case-mounted mic that takes call quality to another level

The Ear (3)'s biggest weapon is the "Super Mic" built into the charging case. Press the "TALK" button on the side of the case and a directional dual-mic array kicks in, cutting up to 95dB of ambient noise while pinpointing the voice of whoever is speaking within 30 cm.

Using it is simple: during a call, press the TALK button and hold the case up near your mouth. Your voice comes through with a clarity that's on a different level from the buds' own mics. It also works with Essential Space, which transcribes recorded audio to text — so the case doubles as a "calling device," which is a genuinely interesting idea.

LDAC hi-res sound: clean audio with just 0.2% distortion

With a 12 mm dynamic driver and LDAC codec support, it delivers hi-res-grade playback. Distortion drops from the previous 0.6% to 0.2%, so the sound holds together even when you crank the volume — a welcome improvement.

The tuning is clear and neutral with a well-judged amount of bass — a balanced sound. Vocals and guitars in the midrange have body and come through distinctly, and the bass is tight and punchy. It's an easy, "water-like" sound in the best sense: you can listen for hours without fatigue.

The companion "Nothing X" app lets you build a personal sound profile using an 8-band equalizer and a hearing test, so you can dial the tuning in exactly the way you like.

Metal construction improves both looks and durability

Nothing keeps its signature transparent design but adds metal to the stems. That's not just about a more premium look — connection stability improves too. The base of the charging case uses recycled aircraft-grade aluminum, and it feels genuinely solid in the hand.

Peering at the internal components through the semi-transparent body is pure Nothing. There's just something about gadgets you can see inside that keeps you staring.

Hands-on review: fit, controls, and sound quality tested

Fit: about 4.8 g of lightness for class-leading in-ear comfort

At roughly 4.8 g per bud, they're light, and an ergonomic shape designed from tens of thousands of ear-scan data points settles neatly into the contours of your ear. There's little pressure or pain even over long sessions, and as long as you get the ear-tip size right, they stay put through light activity like running.

Controls: pinch operation means fewer accidental taps

The Ear (3) uses a "pinch" control on the stem. It avoids the classic touch-control problem of registering the moment you so much as brush it, and because you physically feel each action, control is precise and comfortable.

It supports single press, double press, long press, and slide-to-adjust volume, and you can reassign each gesture in the Nothing X app. There's plenty of freedom to tune the controls to exactly how you use them.

Charging case: Super Mic on board, plus fast charging

The case carries over the previous design language while adding the TALK button and Super Mic to its side. The aluminum build is rigid enough to survive being jostled in a bag. It supports wireless charging, and a 10-minute top-up buys up to 10 hours of playback, so battery anxiety is basically a non-issue.

Sound quality: balanced tuning that never wears you out

The hi-res-grade sound from the 12 mm dynamic driver and LDAC support is clear and neutral. Midrange vocals have body, and the bass is tight and punchy. Thanks to that 0.2% distortion figure, it holds together at higher volumes and doesn't tire you out over long listens.

Run the hearing test in the personal sound profile feature and you can optimize the tuning to your own hearing.

The Nothing Ear (3)'s drawbacks

Using the Super Mic means holding the case in your hand

The Super Mic's call quality is excellent, but to use it you have to hold the case up to your mouth. That ties up one hand, so it's not suited to talking while you work. In practice, you'll want to reserve it for important calls.

Total battery with the case dips slightly versus the previous model

Total playback with the case (ANC on) is 22 hours, two hours less than the previous model's 24. Single-bud life is up from 5.2 to 5.5 hours, but the case's battery capacity is down — likely a side effect of fitting the Super Mic. Still, with 10 minutes of charging buying 10 hours of playback, you'll rarely feel it in day-to-day use.

ANC trails rivals slightly in the mid-to-high frequencies

The up-to-45dB ANC is class-leading at blocking low-frequency noise like the engine drone of trains, buses, and planes. For mid-to-high-frequency noise like chatter in a cafe or office, though, it falls just short of the Sony WF-1000XM5 and AirPods Pro 2. It's nothing you'd complain about in everyday use, but if ANC is your top priority, it's worth knowing.

The price is $30 higher than the previous model

At $179, it's $30 more than the previous model's $149. Given the Super Mic and the larger driver, that's reasonable — but if budget is your main concern, the previous model is still an option. If you think of it as paying $30 for the Super Mic, I'd say it's worth it. If you're watching your budget, the CMF Buds 2a are also worth a look.

How it compares: Sony WF-1000XM5 and AirPods Pro 2

Here's how the Nothing Ear (3) stacks up against its flagship rivals.

ANC: Low-frequency noise blocking is class-leading, on par with the Sony WF-1000XM5 and AirPods Pro 2. Sony and Apple edge ahead in the mid-to-high frequencies, but you'll rarely notice the gap in everyday use.

Call quality: The Super Mic gives it a unique edge that rivals simply don't have. If you make a lot of calls in noisy environments, the Ear (3) is the most logical choice.

Codecs: With LDAC and LHDC support, Android users get the most out of hi-res playback. iPhone users still get plenty of great sound over AAC.

Design: The transparent-plus-metal look has a personality that AirPods and Sony don't. If you'd rather not have the same earbuds as everyone else, few options answer that itch better than Nothing.

If you want to compare earbuds across the Nothing and CMF lineups, our roundup of five recommended Nothing / CMF earbuds is worth a read.

Who the Nothing Ear (3) is for

Professionals who take a lot of calls and online meetings on the go

The Super Mic delivers clear voice even in noisy environments. It's a great fit for business users who won't compromise on call quality.

People who want design and great sound in one package

It combines the strong personality of the transparent design with balanced, hi-res-capable sound. Ideal for anyone who refuses to compromise on either the fashion or the gadget side.

Audio fans who like to fine-tune sound in the app

With the personal sound profile and 8-band equalizer, you can dial in the sound exactly how you like it. If you're the type who can't stop nudging "just one more band," this is a wonderful rabbit hole.

Bottom line: the 2025 best buy if calls come first

The essence of the Nothing Ear (3) is a "flagship earbud chosen for its call quality." It wields the Super Mic — a weapon no rival has — while keeping sound, ANC, fit, and design all at a high level.

At $179, the price is well justified once you factor in the Super Mic and the hi-res 12 mm driver. For anyone who's regularly on calls or in online meetings, it's the most sensible choice you can make right now.