In the crowded world of wireless earbuds, finding a pair that balances quality, features, and affordability can be a daunting task. Enter the Nothing Ear (a), the latest offering from the innovative tech startup Nothing. 

These earbuds promise to deliver a premium experience without the premium price tag, making them an intriguing option for budget-conscious audiophiles and casual listeners alike. But do they live up to the hype? 

In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the Nothing Ear (a)’s design, features, and performance to help you decide if they’re the right fit for your audio needs.

At a Glance: Nothing Ear (a) Specifications

• Price: Under $100
• Colors: Yellow, White, Black
• Drivers: 11mm dynamic drivers
• Bluetooth Version: 5.3
• Supported Codecs: AAC, SBC, LDAC
• Battery Life: Up to 9 hours (earbuds), 42 hours total with case
• Charging: USB-C (no wireless charging)
• Water Resistance: IP54 (earbuds), IPX2 (case)
• Active Noise Cancellation: Yes, with Smart ANC (up to 25dB reduction)
• Transparency Mode: Yes
• Companion App: Nothing X
• Special Features: Bluetooth multipoint, Low latency mode, Clear Voice Technology
• Weight: 4.8g per earbud, 39.6g charging case

Now, let’s delve into the details of what makes the Nothing Ear (a) stand out in the crowded wireless earbud market.

Design and Comfort

The Nothing Ear (a) earbuds offer a more compact and portable design compared to the main Nothing Ear series. Their charging case is bubble-shaped, smaller, and lighter, making it easier to slip into your pocket or bag. 

Uniquely, the Nothing Ear (a) is available in a distinctive Yellow color, which has garnered mixed reactions in our office. Some love its bold statement, while others find it a bit too flashy. 

However, it certainly catches the eye and sets these earbuds apart from the sea of black-and-white options flooding the market. For those preferring a more understated look, the earbuds also come in classic White and Black colorways.

Comfort is a key factor in the design of these earbuds. Unlike the previous budget option, the Nothing Ear (stick), the Nothing Ear (a) features ear tips that provide a snug seal in your ear. 

This design choice not only enhances sound isolation but also improves overall fit and stability. During our testing, we found that the earbuds remain securely in place without needing to be inserted deeply into the ear canal. 

This shallow fit contributes to their comfort, as it doesn’t create that “plugged” feeling some users dislike. Additionally, we didn’t notice any heat buildup during prolonged use, which is a common issue with some in-ear models.

Durability: Ready for Your Active Lifestyle

Rated IP54, the earbuds are resistant to dust and water, making them a reliable gym companion. Whether you’re sweating it out on the treadmill or caught in an unexpected drizzle, these earbuds can handle it. However, it’s worth noting that the charging case has a lower IPX2 rating. This means you’ll need to exercise caution when taking it to places like the beach or pool area, where water and sand might pose a risk.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of the Nothing Ear (a) earbuds is impressive for their price point. While they may not deliver the mind-blowing audio experience that audiophiles crave, for most casual listeners, the sound quality is more than adequate for enjoying music during a commute or at the gym. The earbuds provide a balanced sound profile that works well across various music genres, from pop and rock to classical and jazz.

The 11mm dynamic drivers deliver clear highs, detailed mids, and a respectable bass response. While the bass might not be as punchy as some bass-heavy competitors, it’s well-controlled and doesn’t overpower the other frequencies. This balanced approach ensures that vocals remain clear and instruments are well-separated in the mix.

Active Noise Cancellation: Silence on a Budget

One of the standout features of the Nothing Ear (a) is its Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) capabilities. Equipped with a Smart ANC algorithm, these earbuds adjust their noise cancellation based on the seal between the earbuds and your ear canal. Our tests showed a maximum noise reduction of approximately 45dB, which is impressive for earbuds in this price range.

You have the option to adjust the ANC intensity across low, medium, or high settings, allowing you to find the perfect balance between noise cancellation and awareness of your surroundings. There’s also an Adaptive ANC mode that continuously adjusts the noise cancellation strength to match ambient noise levels.

While the ANC performance isn’t on par with top-tier noise-canceling earbuds that cost several times more, it noticeably reduces background noise like traffic when walking outdoors, making your daily commute more enjoyable.

Connectivity: Cutting-Edge and Versatile

The Nothing Ear (a) utilizes Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity, offering support for upcoming features like Auracast. They are compatible with AAC, SBC, and LDAC Bluetooth codecs, with LDAC providing high-quality streaming on compatible Android devices.

Bluetooth multipoint allows simultaneous connection to two devices, a feature typically found in more expensive models. This means you can seamlessly switch between your phone and laptop without needing to disconnect and reconnect manually. For gamers, there’s a low latency mode optimized to reduce audio delay, ensuring your audio stays in sync with the on-screen action.

During our testing, we noticed occasional connection interruptions in busy urban environments, but these were infrequent and didn’t significantly impact the overall experience. At home and in the office, connectivity remained stable and reliable.

Clear Call Quality

The Nothing Ear (a) earbuds feature onboard microphones equipped with Clear Voice Technology. The 3 mics and an AI noise reduction detect voice and effectively isolate your voice from surrounding noise, ensuring clear communication whether you’re in a bustling office or on a noisy street. During our tests, callers reported that our voice came through clearly, even in noisy environments, making these earbuds a solid choice for those who frequently take calls on the go.

Controls and App Integration: Intuitive and Customizable

Each earbud features a pressure-sensitive panel on its stem, allowing you to control music playback, answer calls, and switch between listening modes with a simple squeeze. The Nothing X app offers a user-friendly interface for managing the earbuds, including a simple three-band equalizer, Bass Enhance mode, and various other customization options.

Battery Life: All-Day Power

The Nothing Ear (a) earbuds delivered an impressive 9 hours of continuous playback on a single charge during our battery testing. The charging case offers multiple additional charges, promising a total playback time of up to 42.5  hours. While the case doesn’t support wireless charging, it can be conveniently charged using USB-C, with a quick 10-minute charge providing up to 10 hours of total listening time.

Wrapping Up 

Nothing Ear (a) earbuds offer exceptional value for their sub-$79 price point only from this link from July 16, 2024, to July 21, 2024. They strike an excellent balance between features, performance, and affordability, making them a compelling choice for everyday listeners who want a reliable and enjoyable audio experience without breaking the bank. 

While they may not outperform high-end models in any single category, they offer a well-rounded package that’s hard to beat at this price point. If you’re in the market for versatile wireless earbuds that deliver good sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and solid battery life, the Nothing Ear (a) should definitely be on your shortlist.