Nothing launches Ear (3a) — colorful wireless earbuds with Audio Snapshot and ANC for under $100

Nothing has announced its latest wireless earbuds, the Ear (3a), positioned between the entry-level Ear (a) and the flagship Ear (3). These stylish, budget-friendly buds pack a lot of features for under $100.

Audio Snapshot

One of the most intriguing features is Audio Snapshot, which lets users record short audio moments directly on the earbuds using 32MB of built-in flash storage. For example, you can capture a line from an online lecture or a voice note from a friend. Recording is activated by pinching both earbuds, and it captures audio from just before and after the press. Clips automatically sync to the Nothing X app, where you can listen, edit, share, and transcribe them. The app also allows creating "shareable quote cards" to easily find previous transcribed moments. The Ear (3a) can record up to two hours of calls and meetings, which are also sent to the Nothing X app. Participants are notified when recording is active for privacy.

Audio Quality and ANC

A new 12mm dynamic driver delivers deeper bass and superior detail compared to predecessors. Support for LDAC streaming and an 8-band EQ in the Nothing X app are included. The Ear (3a) also support spatial audio, which can add immersion for on-the-go movie watching. Active noise cancellation reaches up to 45 dB, with improved algorithms and acoustic mesh providing better noise-canceling across a broader frequency range. Nothing says overall ANC performance is 17.1% better than previous models.

Design and Battery

The Ear (3a) retain Nothing's signature transparent design, now available in striking pink, yellow, black, and white. A new XS ear tip size accommodates more users. Battery life: up to 10 hours from the buds alone without ANC, and up to 42 hours total with the charging case. With ANC enabled, total listening time drops to 25 hours.

Availability

The Nothing Ear (3a) are available now for $99.