Nothing Ear (3a) B190 wireless earbuds, yellow, Bluetooth 6.0 and 45dB ANC

The 12mm dynamic driver gives the Nothing Ear (3a) a larger sound platform for music, while active noise cancellation helps reduce surrounding noise. Switch to Transparency Mode when you want to hear what is happening around you. Finished in yellow with Nothing’s signature transparent design, these in-ear earbuds pair everyday listening with useful ways to tailor your sound.

Key takeaways

Bluetooth 6.0 and dual-device connection make it easier to move between two compatible devices, such as a mobile phone and another personal device, without treating each switch as a fresh setup. The earbuds are compatible with iOS and Android, and their six microphones support clearer calls with Clear Voice Technology. For music, the 12mm dynamic driver and Hi-Res Audio support are paired with up to 45dB of active noise cancellation across a noise range of up to 5000Hz.

Sound can be adjusted in the Nothing X app, including bass, treble and vocals, with an advanced 8-band EQ for more detailed tuning. A low-latency mode is available for gaming. The listed battery average life is 42 hours, and the stated charging time is 70 minutes. Buyers often praise the audio, comfort and battery life, while feedback on fit, touch controls and noise cancellation is mixed, so the sound modes and app settings offer practical ways to tailor day-to-day use.

Best use cases

These earbuds suit music listening at home, while commuting or during a workday when you want a choice between reducing ambient noise and staying more aware of your surroundings. ANC is useful when you want to focus on audio, while Transparency Mode lets outside sound come through without taking the earbuds out. For calls, the six microphones and Clear Voice Technology are relevant when you need to speak through your mobile phone as well as listen.

The yellow finish and transparent styling also give the earbuds a more distinctive look than a plain, discreet design. Buyers describe them as stylish and comfortable, though fit preferences vary. If choosing between simple earbuds that focus on basic listening and a pair with sound controls and multiple listening modes, the Ear (3a) offers more ways to shape both audio and awareness.

Getting the most from it

Use the Nothing X app to adjust bass, treble and vocals to suit the music you play, or fine-tune the profile through the 8-band EQ. Choose ANC for a quieter listening experience, then switch to Transparency Mode when you need to hear more of your surroundings. Keeping both modes in mind makes the earbuds adaptable to different parts of the day, rather than locking you into one listening style.

Dual-device connection is useful when you regularly move between a phone and another compatible device. Low-latency mode provides a dedicated option for gaming, while the call-focused microphone features support voice conversations. The Nothing app also provides one-touch AI features, including ChatGPT and Essential News. Audio Snapshot and call recording can save up to a minute of media or up to two hours of calls and meetings, the app can then sort and transcribe recordings using AI, with Pro Transcription adding speaker identification, reminders and shareable quotes.

Should you buy it?

Choose the Nothing Ear (3a) if you want yellow in-ear earbuds that combine a recognisable transparent design with adjustable sound, active noise cancellation and Transparency Mode. Bluetooth 6.0 dual-device connection is a practical advantage for moving between compatible devices, while the app-based EQ, call features and recording tools add options beyond listening to music. It suits you if you value flexible everyday listening and want to fine-tune how your audio sounds and how much of your surroundings you hear.