Nothing Ear 3 Review: Where Striking Design Finally Meets Its Sonic Match
In 2025, creating a pair of good-sounding earphones is not particularly difficult. Thanks to a highly mature industry supply chain, many teams can brand or customize their own earphones with decent audio quality at a low cost.
However, creating a pair of *interesting* earphones is far more challenging than it seems. While the mature supply chain can handle product styling and acoustic design, it also means the category is plagued by homogeneity. Identical-looking designs are unavoidable—some TWS brands have even had interchangeable charging cases, highlighting the severity of this issue. But the Nothing Ear 3, the subject of today's review, is a departure from these cookie-cutter models. Even as a relatively small player, Nothing has carved out its own niche in a dull market with its unique product philosophy and design aesthetic.
Design is Nothing's Core Value
Like other Nothing products, the unique experience of the Nothing Ear 3 begins the moment you open the box. While some TWS charging cases on the market feature transparent lids, few combine a transparent top with an aluminum metal body like the Nothing Ear 3. The two earbuds are secured at a 45-degree angle by strong magnets in their respective slots, with no hint of looseness.
Notably, to add a layer of depth to the transparent lid, Nothing has incorporated a concave hemisphere. This not only makes the case look less monotonous but also enhances the mechanical strength of the lid, preventing it from collapsing. Of course, this dimple also makes the Nothing Ear 3 charging case a fun gadget to fidget with in your hand.
The design of the Nothing Ear 3 earbuds themselves is largely unchanged from the previous generation: a transparent shell encases the intricate circuit board and battery. The metal shield on the stem is laser-etched with the "Nothing Ear (3)" product mark, a testament to the attention to detail. Speaking of details, you've likely noticed the "TALK" button on the outside of the case. This activates what Nothing calls the "Super Mic"—an auxiliary microphone built into the charging case. Pressing the "TALK" button allows you to use the case's microphone to capture sound. In noisy environments, holding the case near your mouth can significantly improve call quality. Additionally, the TALK button can serve as a shortcut to activate your AI assistant.
Sound Performance That Delivers
If design is the face of the Nothing Ear 3, then sound is its soul. The Ear 3 is equipped with a 12mm dynamic driver, continuing Nothing's signature "clean" sound profile. It doesn't over-saturate the bass to please the ears, nor does it obsessively chase analytical detail like old-school Hi-Fi brands. The listening experience of the Nothing Ear 3 is one of balance: it ensures detail while remaining relaxed and effortless. At normal volumes, the bass is moderate—not particularly deep, but fast and tight, delivering a "point-and-stop" punch. In Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars," the drum beats and bass lines are well-defined and don't blend into a muddy mess. The midrange is a strong point, with vocals placed prominently yet not overwhelmingly close. In Utada Hikaru's "One Last Kiss," vocals are clear and elastic, preserving subtle breaths and articulations. Compared to its predecessor, the sound is more open, relaxed, and spacious. The high frequencies are stable and bright, clean and free of harshness, handling complex tracks with good instrument separation. Overall, the sound is balanced, controlled, and clean, making it an enjoyable long-term listening companion.
In terms of noise cancellation, Nothing claims a maximum depth of 45 dB, and the real-world performance is solid. With three microphones in each earbud, it easily handles noise in environments like offices and subways. For voice calls, the Nothing Ear 3 also incorporates a Voice Pickup Unit (VPU) to more accurately distinguish human voices from background noise. It's also worth noting that the Nothing Ear 3 has switched from the previous generation's LHDC 5.0 protocol to the more widely compatible LDAC protocol.
Conclusion: A Headphone with Both Style and Substance
Pros:
1. Iconic and distinctive product design.
2. Excellent sound performance. 3. The "Super Mic" concept addresses a genuine need for call quality.
Cons:
1. The plastic lid is susceptible to fingerprints and scratches.
2. The use cases for the "Super Mic" are somewhat limited.
The Nothing Ear 3 is a product that demonstrates clear progress. It carries on Nothing's design philosophy while delivering more mature performance in sound and user experience. While the transparent shell and Super Mic keep it distinctive, Nothing has learned to make pragmatic choices, understanding that being different isn't always better. The switch back to LDAC is a prime example. While not perfect, there are few true wireless earbuds in its price range that successfully balance appearance, sound quality, and functionality. It may not be the absolute best, but if you're looking for an earphone that combines personality with practicality, the Nothing Ear 3 is one of the few compelling choices available.
