Deliveryabout 1–2 days
Returns14-day free returns
Nothing Ear (3a)
Before you buy, compare it with 2 recommended alternatives
Beside them, a model of the same type that scores about the same for at least 25% less, and one that scores clearly higher for at most 20% more, where we find them on sale today.
Green is the best of these 3, also when they share the lead.
| This model Nothing Ear (3a) | Nearly as good, 64% cheaper Sony WF-C510 Best on 1 fact | Much better, 1% dearer Soundcore Liberty 5 Best on 2 facts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most important facts | |||
| The lowest price today at a shop that delivers to you, delivery included. A price with an asterisk comes from a shop abroad, and its delivery cost is our own estimate. Lowest price | 98 €Amazon.de | 35 €Amazon.de best | 99 €Soundcore (brand store) |
| Our own score out of 10: 60% the maker’s facts and 40% shop ratings. Price does not count. Score | best | ||
| The average of the stars buyers give at the shops, with the number of reviews behind it. We only compare it from 20 reviews. Customer rating | – | ★ 4.2 · 46 reviews | ★ 4.4 · 30 reviews best |
| How the headphones cancel outside noise with microphones. Hybrid uses microphones outside and inside the cup, adaptive also adjusts to the sound around you. When it matters
When it matters less
Source
| Adaptive | None (assumed) | Adaptive |
| How long the headphones or the earbuds play on one charge with noise cancelling on, as the maker states it. In this comparisonWhen it matters
When it matters less
Source
| 6 h | – | 8 h |
| What the headphones or one earbud weigh. Lighter is more comfortable for hours at a time. In this comparisonWhen it matters
When it matters less
Source
| 4.5 g | 4.6 g | 4.6 g |
| The Bluetooth version. A newer one connects more steadily and uses less power, if the phone has it too. In this comparisonSource
| 6 | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| How well they resist water and dust, as the IP code states. IPX4 survives sweat and rain, IPX7 a short dip in water. When it matters
When it matters less
Source
| IP54 | IPX4 | IP55 |
| How the sound is packed for Bluetooth. AAC suits iPhones, aptX and LDAC carry more detail from Android phones that support them. When it matters
When it matters less
Source
| SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC | AAC, LDAC |
| Connected to two devices at once, such as a phone and a laptop, and switching by itself to the one that plays. When it matters
When it matters less
Source
| yes | yes | yes |
Facts as the maker states them. A dash means the maker does not name it. Each model’s page gives the source of every fact. Noise is the maker’s own figure, so we do not judge it, and a customer rating only counts from 20 reviews.
Prices per shop
On 1 November 2026 the lowest price for the Nothing Ear (3a) is 98 € at Amazon.de, delivery to Germany included. In our ranking it is rank 18 of 40 with an in-ear fit, with a score of 9.1 out of 10.
All prices include VAT and delivery to Germany. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links. It never changes our ranking.
Deliveryabout 1–2 days
Returns14-day free returns
Deliveryabout 1–2 days
Returns14-day free returns
At the same price, a shop in your own country comes first, then a shop selling its own stock before a marketplace seller, then the shorter delivery time, then free returns and the longer return window. Commission never counts.
Price history
Lowest price per day Tap a shop to hide or show its line.
Follow price changes via RSS. A feed reader (RSS app) shows a new entry at every change, with no e-mail address needed.
Lowest since 1 Nov98 €
Highest since 1 Nov99 €
Price drops since 1 Nov0no drop seen yet
Nothing Ear (3a) specifications
The numbers that matter first, then every fact by group. As published by the maker or the shop we read it from.
Nothing · on the market since July 2026
Build and fit 12 facts
- Form factor
Source: derived, no source of its own · checked on 1 Nov
How the headphones sit: over the ear, on the ear, in the ear canal, in the outer ear, beside the ear or on the cheekbone.
- In-ear
- True wireless
96 of the 184 models we track have this.
Source: derived, no source of its own · checked on 1 Nov
Two separate earbuds with no wire between them, charged in a case.
- yes
- Wireless
153 of the 184 models we track have this.
Source: derived, no source of its own · checked on 1 Nov
They play over Bluetooth, without a cable to the phone.
- yes
- Wired connection
Source: derived, no source of its own · checked on 1 Nov
The plug for a cable, so you can also listen wired, for instance on a plane or with a battery that has run out.
- None
- Audio over USB-C
Source: assumed, not named by the maker · checked on 1 Nov
They play sound over a USB-C cable, straight from a phone or a laptop. On this model: Assumed, not a stated fact: the maker's full specification does not name it, so we take it as no.
- no (assumed)
- Driver type
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
The kind of speaker inside. Dynamic drivers are the most common. Planar and electrostatic ones are mostly found in expensive headphones for home listening.
- Dynamic
- Driver size
Among the models we track
12 mm on this model
Lowest
4.7 mm Highest
56 mm Middle
12 mmLower than 52 of the 107 models we track.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
The diameter of the speaker inside. A bigger driver does not by itself mean better sound.
- 12 mm
- Weight
Among the models we track
4.5 g on this model
Lowest
3.1 g Highest
451 g Middle
8.6 gLower than 158 of the 168 models we track.
When it matters
- Wearing them for hours at a desk or on a flight.
- Running or the gym, where a heavy earbud works loose.
When it matters less
- Short listens, where comfort hardly has time to matter.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
What the headphones or one earbud weigh. Lighter is more comfortable for hours at a time.
- 4.5 g
- Case weight
Among the models we track
40.9 g on this model
Lowest
22 g Highest
134.5 g Middle
46 gLower than 57 of the 78 models we track.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
What the charging case weighs, without the earbuds.
- 40.9 g
- Water and dust resistance
When it matters
- Running and the gym, where sweat gets in.
- Cycling or walking in the rain.
When it matters less
- Listening indoors only.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
How well they resist water and dust, as the IP code states. IPX4 survives sweat and rain, IPX7 a short dip in water.
- IP54
- Controls
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
How you play, pause and change the volume on the headphones themselves.
- Squeeze the stem
- Microphones
Among the models we track
6 on this model
Lowest
0 Highest
10 Middle
6Higher than 39 of the 90 models we track.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
How many microphones the maker counts, for calls and noise cancelling together.
- 6
Sound 7 facts
- Lowest frequency
Among the models we track
20 Hz on this model
Lowest
4 Hz Highest
50 Hz Middle
20 HzHigher than 51 of the 104 models we track.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
The lowest tone the maker says they play. It says little about how the bass actually sounds.
- 20 Hz
- Highest frequency
Among the models we track
40,000 Hz on this model
Lowest
16,000 Hz Highest
80,000 Hz Middle
29,000 HzHigher than 60 of the 104 models we track.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
The highest tone the maker says they play. Adult hearing stops well below most figures.
- 40,000 Hz
- Impedance
Among the models we track
32 Ω on this model
Lowest
15 Ω Highest
520 Ω Middle
32 ΩHigher than 29 of the 75 models we track.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
The electrical resistance. Wired headphones with a high impedance need an amplifier to play loud enough.
- 32 Ω
- Hi-Res Audio certified
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
Certified by the Japan Audio Society for high-resolution sound, wired or, with Hi-Res Audio Wireless, over Bluetooth.
- Hi-Res Audio Wireless
- Equaliser in the app
105 of the 106 models we track have this.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
You can adjust bass and treble in the maker’s app.
- yes
- Equaliser bands
Among the models we track
8 on this model
Lowest
2 Highest
12 Middle
5Higher than 19 of the 32 models we track.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
How many frequency bands the app’s equaliser lets you adjust.
- 8
- Spatial audio
83 of the 88 models we track have this.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
Sound that seems to come from around you rather than from inside your head.
- yes
Noise cancelling 3 facts
- Active noise cancelling
When it matters
- Flights, trains and open-plan offices.
- A daily commute in traffic.
When it matters less
- Listening at home in a quiet room.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
How the headphones cancel outside noise with microphones. Hybrid uses microphones outside and inside the cup, adaptive also adjusts to the sound around you.
- Adaptive
- Transparency mode
109 of the 119 models we track have this.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
Lets outside sound through on purpose, so you hear traffic or a colleague without taking them off.
- yes
- Hearing aid function
Source: assumed, not named by the maker · checked on 1 Nov
Can work as a hearing aid for mild to moderate hearing loss, where the maker has it approved. On this model: Assumed, not a stated fact: the maker's full specification does not name it, so we take it as no.
- no (assumed)
Wireless 8 facts
- Bluetooth version
Among the models we track
6 on this model
Lowest
5 Highest
6.1 Middle
5.3Higher than 129 of the 141 models we track.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
The Bluetooth version. A newer one connects more steadily and uses less power, if the phone has it too.
- 6
- Bluetooth codecs
When it matters
- Lossless or high-resolution music from an Android phone that supports aptX or LDAC.
- An iPhone, where AAC is the codec that counts.
When it matters less
- Podcasts, calls and streaming at normal quality.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
How the sound is packed for Bluetooth. AAC suits iPhones, aptX and LDAC carry more detail from Android phones that support them.
- SBC, AAC, LDAC
- Multipoint
115 of the 117 models we track have this.
When it matters
- Switching between a laptop for calls and a phone for music.
- Working from home with two devices on the desk.
When it matters less
- Using them with one phone only.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
Connected to two devices at once, such as a phone and a laptop, and switching by itself to the one that plays.
- yes
- LE Audio
Source: assumed, not named by the maker · checked on 1 Nov
The newer Bluetooth standard for sound, with the LC3 codec: better sound on less power, with phones that support it. On this model: Assumed, not a stated fact: the maker's full specification does not name it, so we take it as no.
- no (assumed)
- Auracast
Source: assumed, not named by the maker · checked on 1 Nov
Can listen to a Bluetooth broadcast, such as a TV, an airport announcement or a friend sharing music. On this model: Assumed, not a stated fact: the maker's full specification does not name it, so we take it as no.
- no (assumed)
- Google Fast Pair
54 of the 55 models we track have this.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
Pairs in one tap with an Android phone.
- yes
- Made for
Source: derived, no source of its own · checked on 1 Nov
Whose phones the headphones are made for. Some features, such as one-tap pairing or spatial audio, work only with that maker’s phones.
- Any phone
- Wireless range
Among the models we track
15 m on this model
Lowest
9 m Highest
40 m Middle
10 mHigher than 57 of the 68 models we track.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
How far from the phone the maker says the connection holds, without walls in between.
- 15 m
Battery 8 facts
- Battery life with noise cancelling
Among the models we track
6 h on this model
Lowest
4 h Highest
75 h Middle
8 hLower than 79 of the 108 models we track.
When it matters
- Long flights or a full working day.
- Travelling where you cannot charge.
When it matters less
- An hour of listening a day, which any model manages for a week.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
How long the headphones or the earbuds play on one charge with noise cancelling on, as the maker states it.
- 6 h
- Battery life without noise cancelling
Among the models we track
10 h on this model
Lowest
5 h Highest
135 h Middle
10 hLower than 56 of the 123 models we track.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
How long they play on one charge with noise cancelling off.
- 10 h
- Battery life with the case
Among the models we track
42 h on this model
Lowest
18 h Highest
60 h Middle
36 hHigher than 59 of the 86 models we track.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
How long the earbuds play in total with the charges stored in their case.
- 42 h
- Fast charge time
Among the models we track
5 min on this model
Lowest
3 min Highest
20 min Middle
10 minLower than 84 of the 132 models we track.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
How many minutes of charging give the playback below.
- 5 min
- Playback from a fast charge
Among the models we track
1 h on this model
Lowest
1 h Highest
15 h Middle
3 hLower than 101 of the 132 models we track.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
How many hours of playback a short fast charge gives.
- 1 h
- Full charge time
Among the models we track
70 min on this model
Lowest
40 min Highest
210 min Middle
120 minLower than 73 of the 95 models we track.
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
How long a full charge takes.
- 70 min
- Wireless charging
Source: assumed, not named by the maker · checked on 1 Nov
The case or the headphones charge on a Qi pad, without a cable. On this model: Assumed, not a stated fact: the maker's full specification does not name it, so we take it as no.
- no (assumed)
- Charging port
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
The plug the headphones or their case charge through.
- USB-C
In use 2 facts
- Wear detection
Source: assumed, not named by the maker · checked on 1 Nov
The music pauses when you take them off and plays on when you put them back. On this model: Assumed, not a stated fact: the maker's full specification does not name it, so we take it as no.
- no (assumed)
- App
Source: nothing.tech · checked on 1 Nov
The name of the maker’s app.
- Nothing X
Warranty and support 1 fact
- Launched
Source: nothing.community · checked on 1 Nov
The month the model came out, as far as the maker or a register shows.
- 2026-07-07
Sources: nothing.tech · nothing.community
Our score
Confidence: medium. Fewer than 300 owners’ ratings at the shops. The highest score today is 9.8.
-
Owners’ ratings 40%–
Owners’ ratings, 40%: none yet at the shops that deliver to Germany, so this part is left out and the score is the features part alone.
-
Features 60%9.1
73 of 80 points for the maker’s facts, the other 20 counted at the market’s average share of 89%.
- Price never countsA sale can’t lift a model. Today’s lowest price sits beside the score, checked every morning.
- Too few facts, no rankOnly headphones whose type and enough of whose facts are known are ranked. The rest get a provisional score.
- Reviewers beside, not insideReviewers’ picks are shown next to the score and do not count in it.
Frequently asked questions about the Nothing Ear (3a)
How do buyers rate the Nothing Ear (3a)?
Buyers rate the Nothing Ear (3a) 4.2 out of 5, from 3 reviews at Coolblue (NL). We read the ratings on 1 November 2026.
How long does the battery of the Nothing Ear (3a) last?
The maker states up to 6 hours of play with noise cancelling on, and 10 hours with it off. With the charging case, that comes to 42 hours in all. A 5-minute charge gives 1 hour of play.
Does the Nothing Ear (3a) have noise cancelling?
Yes, adaptive noise cancelling, which adjusts its strength to the sound around you. It also has a transparency mode that lets the sound around you in when you want to hear it.
Can the Nothing Ear (3a) connect to two devices at once?
Yes, it can stay connected to more than one device at a time, such as a phone and a laptop.
Which Bluetooth codecs does the Nothing Ear (3a) support?
It supports SBC, AAC and LDAC. With a phone that also supports LDAC, it can play in more detail than over AAC or SBC.
Is the Nothing Ear (3a) water resistant?
It is rated IP54. That protects it against splashing water from any direction, such as rain and sweat.
