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Nothing Ear Wireless Earbuds vs Nothing Ear 3 Wireless Earbuds

Both are Nothing in-ear ANC earbuds with 12 mm ceramic drivers, LDAC hi-res audio, wireless charging and the same 5.5-hour ANC figure, so sound and fit are close. The Ear 3 is the newer model: Bluetooth 5.4 instead of 5.3 and a slightly higher owner rating from more ratings. The original Ear is the safer pick if you want the well-documented model with a published IP55 case rating and a long track record. Buy the Ear 3 for the newer radio and firmware support; buy the original Ear if you want the proven version.

  • Choose the Nothing Ear if you want the established model with a documented IP55 case and a long review history.
  • Choose the Nothing Ear 3 if you want the newer Bluetooth 5.4 connection and the latest firmware and feature updates.

Prices

  • Nothing Ear Wireless Earbuds: $79.00 at Amazon (last seen Nov 13)
  • Nothing Ear 3 Wireless Earbuds: $80.00 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Nothing Ear Wireless Earbuds is $1.00 cheaper than the Nothing Ear 3 Wireless Earbuds at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 13)
Nothing
Nothing Ear Wireless Earbuds

Nothing Ear Wireless Earbuds

4.5(288 ratings)
$79.00at AmazonChecked Nov 13
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Pros
  • Documented IP55 case rating for extra protection
  • Long track record and wide owner feedback
  • LDAC hi-res audio and ceramic drivers
  • Wireless charging and fast charge
Cons
  • Older Bluetooth 5.3
  • Fewer ratings than the Ear 3
  • ANC runtime is modest at 5.5 hours
Nothing
Nothing Ear 3 Wireless Earbuds

Nothing Ear 3 Wireless Earbuds

4.5(302 ratings)
$80.00at eBayChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Newer Bluetooth 5.4
  • Slightly higher rating count and owner base
  • Same hi-res LDAC audio and ceramic drivers
  • Longer expected firmware support
Cons
  • Case water rating not stated as IP55
  • ANC runtime is also 5.5 hours
  • Very close to the original, so little reason to upgrade from it

What separates them

Nothing Ear Wireless EarbudsNothing Ear 3 Wireless Earbuds
Bluetooth version5.35.4
Driver and audio codec12 mm ceramic driver, LDAC hi-res12 mm ceramic driver, LDAC hi-res
ANC battery life5.5 hours with ANC on5.5 hours with ANC on
Water resistanceIP54 buds, IP55 caseIP54 buds
ChargingWireless and fast charge, USB-C, 70 minWireless and fast charge, USB-C, 70 min
Owner rating4.5 from 288 ratings4.5 from 302 ratings
Generation and update supportEarlier model, mature firmwareNewer model, longer update runway

Price history

$115.99$79.00
Nov 1Nov 13
  • Nothing Ear Wireless Earbuds: lowest $79.00 on Nov 13 at Amazon.
  • Nothing Ear 3 Wireless Earbuds: lowest $95.97 on Nov 5; $109.99 on Nov 11.

Prices at every store

Nothing Ear Wireless Earbuds

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $115.99Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Best Buy
  • Kitchen Home & TechNew

    In stock

    $119.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit Kitchen Home & Tech
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $79.00Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Amazon
  • TargetNew

    Availability unknown

    $109.99Checked Nov 7
    Visit Target

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

All 5 stores and price history →

Nothing Ear 3 Wireless Earbuds

  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by silver_shop11 (98.4% positive, 194 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $80.00+ $11.28 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $109.99Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Amazon
  • TargetNew

    Availability unknown

    $109.99Checked Nov 4
    Visit Target
  • Best BuyNew

    Availability unknown

    $115.99Checked Nov 4
    Visit Best Buy

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 10 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecNothing Ear Wireless EarbudsNothing Ear 3 Wireless Earbuds
Bluetooth version5.35.4
Headphone Cup TypeIn-earIn-ear
Body Part UseEarsEars
Noise Cancellation TypeActiveActive
Max Battery Life5.5 hours (continuous playback with active nois…5.5 hours (continuous playback with active nois…
Recharge Time70 min70 min
Rechargeable BatteryYesYes
Connectivity TechnologyWireless, BluetoothWireless, Bluetooth
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth
Compatible DevicesiOS 13 or later, Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or l…iOS 13 or later, Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or l…
Ports And InterfacesUSB-CUSB-C
Transmission Range10 m10 m
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecNothing Ear Wireless EarbudsNothing Ear 3 Wireless Earbuds
StyleIn-EarIn-Ear
Weight71.4 g (Charging case)71.4 g (Charging case)
Dimensions5.55 cm x 2.225 cm x 5.6 cm (Charging case)5.55 cm x 2.225 cm x 5.6 cm (Charging case)
MaterialCeramic (diaphragm)Ceramic (diaphragm)
Driver Size12 mm12 mm
Frequency Response20 - 40000 Hz20 - 40000 Hz
Headphone Impedance32 Ohm32 Ohm
Sound OutputStereoStereo
Audio Highlights24-Bit Hi-Res LDAC Audio24-Bit Hi-Res LDAC Audio

What reviewers say

Nothing Ear Wireless Earbuds

  • 4.5 / 5288 ratings

Owners rate the Nothing Ear highly, at 4.5 out of 5 from 288 ratings. They praise the sound, the ANC for the price and the design, and most complaints center on battery life with ANC on and occasional control quirks.

What people mention
  • SoundPraisedOwners describe clear, detailed sound with solid bass, helped by LDAC on Android.
  • Noise cancellingPraisedReviewers say ANC cuts commute and office noise well for the price.
  • BatteryCriticisedWith ANC on, users report needing a recharge after about five hours.
  • FitPraisedThe light 4.62 g buds and multiple tips give most owners a secure, comfortable fit.

Nothing Ear 3 Wireless Earbuds

  • 4.5 / 5302 ratings

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 302 ratings, buyers are broadly positive about the sound and noise cancellation. The main complaints center on battery life with ANC on and the case size.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedOwners describe detailed, balanced sound with strong treble from the ceramic drivers.
  • Noise cancellationPraisedReviewers say ANC cuts commute and office noise well.
  • Battery lifeCriticisedBuyers note 5.5 hours with ANC on means frequent charging.
  • Case sizeMixed

Questions and answers

Which has better noise cancelling?
Both list active noise cancelling with the same 5.5-hour ANC runtime, so expect similar performance. The Ear 3 is newer, so its tuning may be refined, but the specs do not show a clear ANC advantage.
Is the Ear 3 worth stepping up to from the original Ear?
Only if you want Bluetooth 5.4 and the latest firmware support. Sound hardware, battery figures and charging are the same, so owners of the original have little reason to switch.
Which is better for workouts and rain?
The original Ear states IP54 buds and an IP55 case, which is the more complete water-resistance claim. The Ear 3 lists IP54 for the buds only, so the original is the safer choice for sweaty or wet use.
Do both support hi-res audio?
Yes. Both use 12 mm ceramic drivers, LDAC and a 20 Hz to 40 kHz frequency response, so hi-res playback is equal.
Which lasts longer?
Battery life is identical on paper: 5.5 hours with ANC on and a 70-minute recharge. The Ear 3's newer Bluetooth may be slightly more efficient in practice, but the difference is small.

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Water ProtectionIP54IP54
WaterproofYesYes
WirelessYesYes
MicrophoneYesYes
BluetoothYesYes
Water ResistantYesYes
Type of HeadphoneIn-EarIn-Ear
ColorTransparent, WhiteBlack, Transparent
Construction & ElementsDynamicDynamic
Noise CancellingActive Noise CancellingActive Noise Cancelling
Wireless TechnologyBluetoothBluetooth
Voice ControlYesYes
Driver diameter11 mm—
Battery life5.20 h—
Battery capacity46 mAh—
Earbud weight4.62 g—
Ingress protectionIP54 buds—
Case protectionIP55 case—
Battery life ANC on5.2 hours from buds, +19 hours from case—
Some find the 71.4 g case too large for a pocket, though wireless charging is appreciated.