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Deal.ai › Compare

Nothing Ear (3a) vs Anker Soundcore Space A40

The Soundcore Space A40 is the safer pick for most shoppers: it has a longer total battery figure, LDAC hi-res audio, wireless charging and a long track record of solid owner reviews. The Nothing Ear (3a) is newer and leans on Bluetooth 6.0, a larger 12mm driver and a higher IP54 rating, so it suits buyers who want the latest connectivity and a bit more water and dust protection. Both are in-ear ANC buds with fast charging; the A40 is the more proven all-rounder, the Ear (3a) the more forward-looking one.

  • Choose the Nothing Ear (3a) if you want the newest Bluetooth version, a bigger driver and better dust and water resistance.
  • Choose the Soundcore Space A40 if you want LDAC hi-res audio, wireless charging and the longest total playtime.

Prices

  • Nothing Ear (3a): $79.99 at Amazon (last seen Nov 5)
  • Anker Soundcore Space A40: $59.99 at Best Buy (last seen Nov 12)
  • Difference: the Anker Soundcore Space A40 is $20.00 cheaper than the Nothing Ear (3a) at the latest prices (Nov 5 and Nov 12)
Nothing
Ear (3a)

Nothing Ear (3a)

Ear (3a)

4.6(243 ratings)
$79.99at AmazonChecked Nov 5
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Bluetooth 6.0 for newer devices and lower latency potential
  • Larger 12mm driver for fuller low end
  • IP54 adds dust protection over splash-only ratings
  • Light 4.53g buds and a compact case
Cons
  • No LDAC or other hi-res codec listed
  • No wireless charging
  • Shorter total playtime than the A40
  • Newer model with a shorter review history
Anker
Anker Soundcore Space A40

Anker Soundcore Space A40

$59.99at Best BuyChecked Nov 12
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • LDAC support for hi-res wireless audio
  • Up to 50 hours total with the case
  • Wireless charging plus USB-C
  • Six mics with AI for calls
  • Long-standing model with a large owner base
Cons
  • Older Bluetooth 5.2
  • IPX4 only, no dust rating
  • Smaller 10mm driver

What separates them

Nothing Ear (3a)Anker Soundcore Space A40
Bluetooth versionBluetooth 6.0Bluetooth 5.2
Driver size12mm dynamic driver10mm double-layer diaphragm
Hi-res codecNot listedLDAC supported alongside SBC and AAC
Total playtime with caseUp to 42 hours (25 with ANC)Up to 50 hours
Water and dust ratingIP54, dust protectedIPX4, splash resistant only
ChargingWired charging onlyUSB-C and wireless charging
MicrophonesNot specified6 mics with AI noise reduction
ANC depth claimUp to 45dBUp to 98% noise reduction

Price history

$79.99$59.99
Nov 2Nov 13
  • Nothing Ear (3a): lowest $79.00 on Nov 2 at Amazon; $79.99 on Nov 5.
  • Anker Soundcore Space A40: lowest $59.99 on Nov 13 at Best Buy.

Prices at every store

Nothing Ear (3a)

  • Nothing USNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $99.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit Nothing US
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $79.99Checked Nov 5
    Visit Amazon
  • Newegg.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $173.41Checked Nov 5
    Visit Newegg.com

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 3 stores and price history →

Anker Soundcore Space A40

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $59.99Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit Best Buy
  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $79.99Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit Newegg

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecNothing Ear (3a)Anker Soundcore Space A40
Driver size12mm dynamic driver10 mm
Bluetooth versionBluetooth 6.0Bluetooth 5.2
Water resistanceIP54IPX4
Noise Reductionactivenoisecancellationup to 98%
Noise cancellationup to 45dB—
Battery life earbudsup to 10 hours—
Battery life with caseup to 42 hours—
Battery life ANC onup to 6 hours—
Total battery ANC onup to 25 hours—
Built-in storage32MB—
Earbud weight4.53g—
Charging case weight40.92g—
Show all 33 specsShow fewer specs
SpecNothing Ear (3a)Anker Soundcore Space A40
Earbud dimensions31.2 × 21.7 × 24mm—
ModelNothing Ear (3a)—
ColorWhite—
Ear CouplingIn Ear, in_ear—
Talk TimeUp to 4 hour(s)—
Music TimeUp to 4 hour(s)—
Standby Time42 hours—
Charge Time10 minutes—
Operating Range15 meters—
Bluetooth Profile

What reviewers say

Nothing Ear (3a)

  • 4.6 / 5243 ratings

Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 243 ratings, buyers are positive overall and treat the Ear (3a) as strong value for what it offers. Complaints center on battery life once noise cancellation is on.

What people mention
  • Noise cancellationPraisedBuyers say the ANC blocks a good amount of noise for earbuds at this tier.
  • BatteryMixedOwners like the 10-hour figure but note it drops to about 6 hours with ANC on.
  • FitPraisedThe 4.53g buds are described as light and comfortable for long sessions.
  • CallsCriticisedTalk time of up to 4 hours and call clarity draw complaints.

Anker Soundcore Space A40

Owners and reviewers rate the Space A40 highly for its battery life, comfortable fit and effective noise cancelling at its level. Most criticism centers on call quality and a plasticky feel rather than sound.

What people mention
  • BatteryPraisedOwners say the 10-hour single charge and 50-hour total playtime mean they rarely think about charging.
  • Noise cancellingPraisedReviewers find the adaptive ANC effective for commuting and office noise.
  • SoundPraisedListeners describe strong bass and clear mids, with LDAC adding detail on supported phones.
  • Call qualityCriticisedReviewers say calls pick up background noise and sound average in windy or crowded places.

Questions and answers

Which has better noise cancellation?
Both claim strong ANC but measure it differently: Nothing cites up to 45dB, Anker cites up to 98% noise reduction. Neither figure is directly comparable, so judge by fit and owner reports rather than the number.
Which is better for running and gym use?
The Nothing Ear (3a) has an IP54 rating, which covers dust as well as splashes. The Space A40 is IPX4, splash resistant only. For sweaty or dusty workouts the Ear (3a) is the safer choice.
Which has longer battery life?
The Space A40: up to 10 hours per charge and 50 hours with the case. The Ear (3a) lists up to 10 hours per charge but 42 hours total, dropping to 25 hours with ANC on.
Is the Space A40 worth stepping up to over the Ear (3a)?
If you want LDAC hi-res audio, wireless charging and maximum playtime, yes. If you want the newest Bluetooth and better dust protection, the Ear (3a) is the better fit.
Which is better for phone calls?
Anker specifies six mics with AI noise reduction, which is a concrete call-focused setup. Nothing does not list a mic count for the Ear (3a), so the A40 has the clearer claim here.
Do either support hi-res audio?
Only the Space A40 lists LDAC, which enables hi-res wireless playback on supported Android phones. The Ear (3a) lists no hi-res codec.

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Touch Control
—
Dimensions64.8 mm x 40.8 mm x 22.8 mm—
Weight40.92 grams—
Parts1 Year—
Battery life—50 hours
Fast charging—10-minute charge delivers 4 hours
Playtime—10H/50H
Microphones—6 Mics with AI
Supported codecs—SBC, AAC, LDAC
Playtime single charge—10 hours
Total playtime with case—50 hours
Charging—USB-C and wireless