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Nothing Ear (3): Better than AirPods Pro 3?
6 Apr
Summary
- Nothing Ear (3) offer futuristic design and noise isolation.
- AirPods 4 excel with ecosystem integration and sales discounts.
- AirPods Pro 3 provide superior battery and balanced sound.

The British manufacturer Nothing has released its latest flagship earbuds, the Ear (3), priced at $179, challenging Apple's offerings. These earbuds stand out with a unique, sci-fi-inspired design and effective noise-isolating eartips, offering good passive noise cancellation. In terms of comfort, they rival the AirPods Pro 3, a significant advantage over the AirPods 4, which feature an open-fit design prone to falling out.
The Ear (3) also boast an innovative charging case with a 'Super Mic' dual-microphone system, ensuring clear calls comparable to the AirPods Pro 3. While the AirPods Pro 3 offer HD voice quality with AAC-ELD on Apple devices, the Ear (3) provide similar clarity universally, making them more versatile.
However, Apple's AirPods 4 with ANC are often heavily discounted, dropping to as low as $99 during sales events, a price point the newer Ear (3) have not yet reached. The AirPods 4's seamless integration with Apple devices is a key advantage for users within that ecosystem. Despite this, the Ear (3) are considered superior in sound quality, ANC, and comfort when purchased at full price.
The AirPods Pro 3, priced at $249, justify their premium with highly effective ANC, comfort, and outstanding battery life, offering up to 8 hours with ANC on. While the Ear (3) deliver more impactful bass, the AirPods Pro 3 provide a more balanced sound profile with crisper treble, free from the shrillness sometimes experienced with the Ear (3)'s tuning, which can be adjusted via an app.
Ultimately, the choice depends on individual priorities. The Ear (3) are ideal for those seeking impactful bass and distinctive style. The AirPods 4 are a good budget-friendly option for Apple users, especially when on sale. The AirPods Pro 3 offer a premium, well-rounded experience for those willing to invest more, particularly for their superior battery and balanced audio.