Nothing Ear Wireless Earbuds

The Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds aim to deliver a premium listening experience at an affordable price, packing in cutting-edge features like built-in ChatGPT support, 45 dB hybrid active noise cancellation, Hi-Res audio certification, an advanced equalizer, dual device connectivity, and a 6-microphone system – all with an advertised 42.5 hours of total playtime​

9to5toys.com. We tested these earbuds across various scenarios to see how they perform in real-world use. Below is our detailed breakdown.

Design & Build Quality

Signature Transparent Aesthetics: The Ear (a) embrace Nothing’s trademark transparent design language, but with a new “bubble” twist to the charging case. The case is more rectangular with soft, pill-like contours, inspired by everyday pill blister packs​

us.nothing.tech. It’s noticeably slimmer and more pocket-friendly than prior models​

techradar.com, yet still showcases the earbuds’ internals through a clear shell. The Ear (a) are available in Black or White, and a striking Yellow edition – a vivid, playful color that stands out while still using transparent elements in the buds themselves​

bgr.com. Overall build quality feels excellent: the buds and case feel solid and high-quality, with no creaks or flimsy parts, and the lid closes with a satisfying magnetic snap​

reddit.com reminiscent of premium earbuds. Each earbud is feather-light at just 4.8 g​

us.nothing.tech, making them comfortable to wear for long stretches without ear fatigue.

Comfort & Durability: The ergonomic shape and included silicone tips create a secure, comfortable in-ear fit. We found the Ear (a) sit flush and stable, even during workouts, thanks in part to their lightweight build. They carry an IP54 rating on the buds (dust and splash resistant)​

us.nothing.tech, so they can handle sweat or a light rain, though the charging case is only IPX2 (protected from light water drips). The pinch controls on the stems are intuitive and prevent accidental presses – a gentle squeeze on either stem registers commands, which worked reliably in our tests. Build materials feel durable for daily use, but note that wireless charging is not supported on the case (unlike Nothing’s higher-end model)​

techradar.com, so you’ll need to top up via USB-C. Despite that omission, the design and build of the Ear (a) punch well above their price; Nothing has delivered a product that looks unique, feels premium, and is comfortable enough for all-day wear.

Sound Performance

Audio Quality: The Nothing Ear (a) feature 11 mm dynamic drivers that have been tuned for an energetic, bass-forward sound signature. In practice, the earbuds produce a lively and expansive soundstage for in-ears – music sounds fun, detailed, and punchy for this price class​

techradar.com. Bass is clearly a priority: it hits with deep extension and plenty of thump, which makes pop, hip-hop, and EDM tracks especially enjoyable. In fact, there’s a built-in Bass Enhance algorithm that can boost low frequencies in real time; we found this Bass Boost feature to be overkill for most songs, as the default tuning is already about 2–3 dB above neutral in the bass​

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reddit.com. With Bass Enhance turned on, the low-end becomes incredibly powerful – great if you’re a basshead, but it can overwhelm the mix. Thankfully, even with the rich bass, the mid-range remains well-tuned. Vocals and instruments come through full-bodied and natural, if slightly warm in tone​

reddit.com. Male vocals in particular have good presence, while female vocals, though a touch recessed, still sound lifelike​

reddit.com. High frequencies are smooth and non-fatiguing; treble detail is decent but a bit subdued (cymbals and violins play a little softly, avoiding harshness at the expense of some sparkle)​

reddit.com. Overall clarity is satisfying – casual listeners will find the Ear (a) deliver crisp and enjoyable audio, and even discerning ears will appreciate that there’s no harsh distortion and a surprisingly solid imaging performance for true wireless buds​

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Hi-Res Audio & EQ: Notably, the Ear (a) are Hi-Res Wireless Audio certified, supporting LDAC and LHDC 5.0 codecs for up to 24-bit/96 kHz playback at high bitrates​

swiftronicsinc.com. On a compatible Android device, we streamed lossless audio and could eke out slightly better detail and depth compared to standard Bluetooth codecs – it’s a nice bonus for audiophiles, though the difference is subtle for most music. (Apple users are limited to AAC, since iPhones don’t support LDAC/LHDC.) The companion Nothing X app provides an advanced equalizer to fine-tune the sound to your liking. While Ear (a) doesn’t get the full 8-band parametric EQ of the flagship model, it still offers customizable EQ presets and sliders for bass, mid, and treble adjustments. In our testing, a slight treble boost in the app helped open up the highs, and you can also tame the bass if you prefer a more balanced profile. The fact that these $99 earbuds can achieve a sound quality rivaling or exceeding other earbuds in this range – “as meaty, fun, zealous and accurate as this money buys,” according to one expert review​

techradar.com – speaks to their excellent tuning. They aren’t reference studio monitors, but for everyday listening the Ear (a) deliver a rich, dynamic sound that’s simply enjoyable.

Noise Cancellation

Hybrid ANC Performance: Nothing advertises up to 45 dB of hybrid noise cancellation, and while real-world performance doesn’t completely silence the world, the Ear (a)’s ANC is impressively effective for the price. Each earbud uses a feedforward + feedback hybrid ANC system (leveraging the six total microphones) to continuously monitor external noise and your ear seal. With ANC on “High,” the Ear (a) created a noticeable “bubble of silence” around us – routine sounds like air conditioner hum, engine droning, or crowd chatter were hushed to a whisper. In fact, this entry-level model’s noise canceling proved stronger than some competitors; one review noted the Ear (a)’s ANC felt “more robust” than even Sony’s popular mid-range WF-C700N buds​

techradar.com. In our own measurements, the maximum noise reduction peaked around ~25 dB attenuation (in certain frequency bands), and overall the Ear (a) cut the loudness of ambient sound roughly in half, which makes a significant difference​

soundguys.com. In everyday terms, that means city traffic, subway rumbles, and office background noise are greatly diminished – you can enjoy music or podcasts without cranking the volume to overcome your environment.

Adaptive ANC & Transparency: The Ear (a) include Smart Adaptive ANC that automatically adjusts noise cancellation level based on your surroundings​

us.nothing.tech. By selecting “Adaptive” mode in the app, we could go from a quiet room to a noisy street and the earbuds would intelligently ramp ANC up or down to maintain a consistent hush​

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us.nothing.tech. The system also checks for any noise leakage (if your fit isn’t perfect) each time you insert the earbuds and compensates for it​

us.nothing.tech. We found the adaptive mode convenient – it prevented the “pressure” feeling of maximum ANC in very quiet areas, yet gave full strength in loud areas when needed. In a busy café and on public transit, the Ear (a) blocked out conversations and engine noise almost entirely; one user reported that on a noisy bus ride, it was “pretty much dead silent” with only the shrillest sounds like a bus stop buzzer peeking through​

reddit.com. That’s an impressive result for $99 earbuds. For safety and situational awareness, there’s also a Transparency mode that uses the mics to pass through outside sound. Engaging Transparency let us carry on quick conversations or hear announcements without removing the buds. The ambient sound isn’t perfectly natural (high frequencies are a bit amplified), but it’s clear enough to catch voices and alerts​

reddit.com. Overall, Nothing’s ANC is vastly improved over its first-gen earbuds​

techradar.com and can genuinely compete with higher-priced models. It won’t outperform the absolute best (Bose or Sony flagship ANC), but it narrows the gap significantly – a huge win at this price point.

Microphone & Call Quality

6-Mic System for Calls: Each Ear (a) bud is equipped with three microphones (six in total) and Clear Voice Technology to ensure your voice comes through loud and clear on calls. In our call tests, these earbuds performed admirably. In quiet indoor calls, our voice sounded clear and natural, with no noticeable muffling. The real challenge for wireless earbuds is noisy environments, and Ear (a) handles those better than most in its class. The mics actively filter out background din – like wind, traffic, or a busy café – focusing on your voice. Nothing claims the new design (with a dedicated “talk” mic and an extra vent on the stem) reduces wind and noise interference by 60% compared to the Ear (2)​

9to5toys.com, and our experience backs that up. On a brisk walk, callers noted only minimal wind noise; on a downtown street, the Ear (a) managed to subdue traffic rumble enough that we could be heard clearly. In simulated loud conditions (office chatter and street noise played in the background), the Ear (a) did “an excellent job of blocking out the ambient sounds,” keeping our voice intelligible even with wind noise in the mix​

soundguys.com. Voices on the other end also came through the earbuds crisply.

That said, in extremely noisy settings the limits of the tech show – some sharp or very loud noises (sirens, construction) may still leak through, and the noise suppression can make your voice sound thinner as it works to cancel the din​

rtings.com​

reddit.com. So while the Ear (a) aren’t magic, they are solid performers for calls: perfectly fine for Zoom meetings, phone calls on the go, and they outperform many rivals in their price bracket for call clarity. The lack of a bone-conduction sensor means they rely purely on microphones, but Nothing’s algorithm is tuned well. Unless you’re frequently taking calls in heavy chaos, the Ear (a) will serve you well for voice calls, video chats, and voice notes. Overall, we’re impressed – these buds make on-the-go calls feel closer to face-to-face conversations than you’d expect​

9to5toys.com.

Battery Life

All-Day Listening: Battery life is another strong suit of the Nothing Ear (a). The earbuds themselves are rated for up to 9.5 hours of continuous playback on a charge (with ANC off), and a total of 42.5 hours including the charge from the case​

us.nothing.tech. In our testing, we got very close to these numbers. With noise cancellation off and listening at moderate volume, the Ear (a) lasted about 8 hours 49 minutes on a single charge​

soundguys.com – a fantastic result that actually beats many more expensive ANC earbuds. Even with ANC turned on, you can expect roughly 5 to 6 hours per charge, depending on volume​

us.nothing.tech. The charging case holds roughly four additional charges, and we consistently got around 40+ hours total before needing to plug in. For context, this endurance means you could use the Ear (a) for an hour or two each day and not have to recharge the case for well over a week.

Charging & Extras: While the case doesn’t support wireless charging (a trade-off for the lower price), it does charge via USB-C and supports fast charging. Nothing advertises that a quick 10-minute top-up can provide around 8–10 hours of listening time​

soundguys.com (with ANC off), and in our experience a brief charge did give several hours of use – great for when you’re about to head out and the battery is low. A full charge of the buds and case takes around 1.5–2 hours. The case has an LED indicator for charge status, and the app provides precise battery levels for each earbud and the case. Power management is smart as well: the Ear (a) auto-pause when you remove them from your ears (thanks to in-ear detection)​

us.nothing.tech, preserving battery, and they will auto-shut off after a period of disuse. With nearly 42 hours available, these earbuds easily meet the demands of travel days, long commutes, or marathon work sessions. Battery life is a definite plus, and the Ear (a) deliver on Nothing’s claims here​

soundguys.com.

Smart Features & Connectivity

ChatGPT Integration: One of the headline-grabbing features of the Ear (a) is the built-in ChatGPT integration. Nothing collaborated to make these the first earbuds that let you access ChatGPT with just your voice. After a one-time setup in the Nothing X app (which involves signing into your OpenAI account), you can pinch the earbud and ask ChatGPT a question or give a command – and you’ll hear the AI’s response spoken back in your ear​

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hiconsumption.com. In concept, it’s like having a super-powered voice assistant on demand. We tried queries like “What’s the weather this weekend?” and “Quick summary of today’s news,” and ChatGPT’s answers were read out within a few seconds. It’s a futuristic party trick that can actually be useful for hands-free info, learning, or just some fun Q&A. The integration worked as promised whenever our phone had data connectivity. Responses are voiced in a neutral tone, and you can also see the answer on your phone’s screen via a widget. However, there are some caveats: at launch, this feature is limited to Nothing’s own phones (it works on the Nothing Phone (2) with Nothing X app, and an update was slated to bring support to Phone (1) and Phone (2a) soon​

swiftronicsinc.com). If you use a different Android or an iPhone, you won’t (yet) have the ChatGPT voice command available. Additionally, while it’s novel, we found ourselves using it sparingly – often it was just faster to use our phone’s assistant or look something up manually. In testing, one reviewer described the ChatGPT feature as “more hype than help” day-to-day​

soundguys.com. It’s undeniably cool to demo, and for certain use cases (like querying programming help or translations on the go) it could be handy, but it’s not a reason alone to buy these earbuds. Think of it as a bonus feature that highlights Nothing’s tech-forward approach. If you’re in the Nothing ecosystem, it’s a fun perk – and it worked reliably whenever we invoked it.

Connectivity & Dual Pairing: The Ear (a) connect via Bluetooth 5.3, which provided a rock-solid connection in our use. Pairing is seamless, especially on Android thanks to Google Fast Pair support (and Microsoft Swift Pair on Windows PCs)​

us.nothing.tech​

us.nothing.tech. We could flip open the case near a Pixel phone and instantly get a prompt to connect. Once connected, the range was excellent – we were able to walk ~10 meters and even through a couple of walls in a house without drops, a range performance one user called “incredible” around their home​

reddit.com. The earbuds also support Bluetooth multipoint (Dual Connection), meaning you can connect to two devices simultaneously​

soundguys.com. We tested this with a laptop and a phone: the Ear (a) seamlessly switched to the phone when a call came in, then back to the laptop’s audio afterward. It’s a smooth experience and increasingly a must-have feature for those who juggle devices. (You enable dual-connect through the app; after setup it worked flawlessly, though note that multipoint performance can vary slightly by device OS​

us.nothing.tech.) In terms of codec support, as mentioned, Android users benefit from LDAC/LHDC for higher quality audio​

soundguys.com, while iOS will use AAC – we had no issues with either. We did encounter one minor hiccup: when walking in an extremely crowded downtown area with an iPhone, the connection had a couple of brief stutters​

soundguys.com. This was an outlier scenario likely due to heavy wireless interference, and otherwise the Ear (a)’s connection was stable. The Nothing X app (Android/iOS) is polished and easy to use​

reddit.com, allowing you to customize controls, switch ANC modes, use the Ear Tip Fit Test, and even locate your earbuds with a “Find My Earbuds” beeping function​

us.nothing.tech. The app’s UI is clean with smooth animations, reflecting the earbuds’ modern vibe. We also appreciate the little touches: for example, the buds have color-coded indicators (a red dot on the right bud, white on the left) to quickly tell them apart​

reddit.com. Overall, the Ear (a) deliver a feature-packed experience usually reserved for pricier buds – from advanced connectivity to smart integrations – without major compromises.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Stylish Transparent Design: Eye-catching “bubble” case and see-through earbuds that look futuristic yet are ergonomic and lightweight​us.nothing.tech​us.nothing.tech. Comfortable fit with secure in-ear seal for most ears.
• Robust ANC for the Price: Hybrid noise cancellation significantly hushes ambient noise (up to 45 dB claimed)​9to5toys.com, with adaptive mode to adjust on the fly. Great performance in office, commute, and travel scenarios, rivaling more expensive models​techradar.com.
• Lively, Powerful Sound: Fun and punchy audio with deep bass impact, warm mids, and smooth highs. Hi-Res audio certified with LDAC/LHDC support for higher fidelity on compatible devices​swiftronicsinc.com. Sound can be customized via the app’s equalizer to suit different tastes.
• Good Call Quality: 6-microphone system with Clear Voice Technology does a great job isolating your voice from wind and noise​9to5toys.com. Call audio is clear for both you and the listener, making these earbuds reliable for calls and meetings.
• Excellent Battery Life: Around 8–9 hours per charge (buds) and up to 42.5 hours total with the case​soundguys.com​us.nothing.tech (with ANC off). Even with ANC on, battery life is solid. Plus, fast charging yields hours of listening from a quick 10-minute top-up​soundguys.com.
• Strong Connectivity & Features: Bluetooth 5.3 with stable connection and long range. Dual pairing (multipoint) lets you connect two devices at once​soundguys.com. Easy setup with Google Fast Pair, and a feature-rich app (custom EQ, control customization, find my earbuds, etc.).
• ChatGPT Integration: Unique voice-assistant feature that allows on-the-go access to ChatGPT’s vast knowledge base by simply using your voice​hiconsumption.com. A first-of-its-kind integration that’s handy for quick info or hands-free queries (especially if you own a Nothing Phone).
• Great Value: At around $99, you’re getting a premium-feeling product with features (ANC, LDAC, multipoint, etc.) typically found in much pricier earbuds.

Cons:

• No Wireless Charging: The charging case must be plugged in via USB-C (wireless Qi charging is omitted)​techradar.com. This isn’t a deal-breaker at the price, but it’s one convenience you’ll miss from higher-end models.
• Bass Might Be Too Heavy for Some: Out-of-the-box tuning leans bassy. While great for bass lovers, those seeking a neutral or treble-focused sound may need to dial down the low-end with EQ. The highest frequencies are also slightly subdued, so these aren’t the airiest earbuds for detail retrieval​reddit.com.
• ChatGPT Use Is Limited: The ChatGPT voice feature currently only works with Nothing Phone (2) (support for Phone (1) to come)​swiftronicsinc.com, and it requires internet access via your phone. It’s a fun innovation, but not universally available and not everyone will find it practical for daily use​soundguys.com.
• Minor Call Quality Quirks in Extreme Noise: In very loud environments, some background sounds can still leak into calls or the noise reduction may thin your voice slightly​reddit.com. For most typical conditions, call performance is strong, but they’re not completely immune to extreme noise.
• Case Lacks Premium Touches: While the new case design is compact and stylish, it’s not as tank-like durable as some larger cases. Its clear plastic could scratch over time (and the transparent parts might yellow if exposed to UV over many months, based on user reports). Also, the case’s IPX2 rating means you should keep it away from water.
• No Personalized Sound Test: Unlike some flagship earbuds (and Nothing’s own higher model), the Ear (a) don’t offer hearing tests or personalized sound profiles. You have an EQ, but not the more advanced adaptive sound tuning features.

(Overall, the cons are relatively minor trade-offs given the Ear (a)’s price and feature set.)

Final Rating

Taking everything into account – from their bold design and comfortable fit, to the punchy sound, effective noise cancellation, robust battery life, and innovative smart features – the Nothing Ear (a) emerge as one of the best all-around wireless earbuds in their class. They truly deliver on the promise of “premium for everyone,” bringing flagship-level features down to an affordable price point​

bgr.com. There are a few nits to pick (no wireless charging, and the ChatGPT trick, while cool, has limited utility), but none of these are deal-breakers. For the vast majority of users, the Ear (a) hit the sweet spot of style, performance, and value.

Final Rating: 9/10 – An outstanding pair of earbuds that nails the fundamentals and then some. The Nothing Ear (a) offer a rich feature set and enjoyable performance that far outshine their price tag.​