After spending weeks with the Nothing Ear (3a), 9to5Google confidently declares these are the best earbuds you can buy for $99, outclassing many competitors that cost twice as much. This in-depth review highlights how the new model improves on the already successful formula of its predecessor, introducing advanced features and customizable sound that bring it dangerously close to the brand's flagship earbuds.
Transparent design that impresses and a new pink colorway that steals the show
Nothing's design language is instantly recognizable, and the Ear (3a) is no exception. The transparent case reveals the internal components, while the new pink colorway stands out for its elegance and originality, joining the classic black, white, and yellow options. The compact size of the case, smaller than that of the Nothing Ear (3), makes it extremely pocket-friendly, and the ergonomic shape of the earbuds ensures comfort even after hours of continuous listening. But the real novelty is the trio of LED status lights on the case, which not only indicate battery level but also Bluetooth pairing status, a feature that many competitors still overlook.
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Record battery life of up to 42 hours and fast charging that eliminates battery anxiety
Battery life is one of the strong points of the Ear (3a). With mixed usage, 3-5 hours of continuous listening were enough to drain the earbuds, but the case brings total autonomy to 42 hours. In practical testing, about 20 hours of use consumed only 45% of the case's battery, meaning you can forget the charging cable for weeks. Although wireless charging is missing, the infrequent need to plug in makes this omission negligible.
Superior audio quality with customizable EQ and effective noise cancellation
The sound of the Nothing Ear (3a) is surprisingly balanced right out of the box. Compared to the previous generation, the sound profile is less neutral but more engaging, with a well-tuned bass that makes any music genre enjoyable. Through the Nothing X app, users can choose from several presets, but the real novelty is the fully customizable equalizer, allowing you to shape the frequency response to your liking. Active noise cancellation, while not reaching the levels of the best over-ear models, is more than enough to isolate you from the chaos of an airport or a crowded train. In short, the audio quality of these earbuds is comparable to that of the Nothing Ear (3), which cost significantly more.
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The Audio Snapshot feature divides opinion: useful for calls but lower audio quality
The most talked-about innovation is Audio Snapshot, which uses the earbuds' onboard storage to record short clips of what you're hearing, including voice calls. Integration with Nothing's AI services for transcription makes this feature particularly interesting for those who want to save voice memos or details of important conversations. However, the audio quality of the recordings is noticeably lower than what you hear in real time, a flaw that limits the practical utility of the feature. Despite this, the ability to record up to 60 seconds and to capture even the 30 seconds prior to activation represents an intriguing option for those who don't want to miss a single moment.
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In conclusion, the Nothing Ear (3a) are not just the best earbuds under $100, but they could simply be the best true wireless earbuds available on the market today, without needing stratospheric specs or premium prices. If you're looking for a pair of earbuds that combine design, comfort, and high-level audio performance, this is the choice that won't make you regret anything.
Source: https://9to5google.com/2026/08/07/nothing-ear-3a-review
