Nothing noise-canceling earbuds, Ear (3a)

What to know

Busy rooms and rumbling travel can make it harder to hear music or follow a call. The Ear (3a) pairs active noise cancellation with a Transparency Mode, so you can switch between tuning out some background sound and staying more aware without taking the earbuds out.

Its 12mm drivers are designed for fuller sound, and the advertised hybrid ANC reaches up to 45dB. That figure describes the stated cancellation capability, how much noise you notice will depend on the fit and your surroundings.

From the way it is set up, this is more than a basic pair of Bluetooth earbuds: there’s dual-device connection, call recording, and audio tools in the Nothing X app. Keep in mind that call recording is available only in supported countries or regions, and the product information doesn’t list them here.

How to use it

For a commute, turn on ANC to reduce distractions, then switch to Transparency Mode when you want to hear more of what’s around you. At a desk, dual-device connection can help when you move between a phone and another device, the listing says it works with iOS and Android, though it doesn’t spell out every device-specific setup detail.

The Nothing X app offers bass, treble, and vocal adjustments, plus an advanced 8-band EQ. That gives you room to tune the sound rather than relying on a fixed profile. Low Latency mode is also listed for gaming, but there’s no latency figure to help set expectations for especially timing-sensitive play.

Practical tips

A wider range of ear tips is included, which matters because a secure fit can affect both comfort and how useful noise cancellation feels. Try the available tips before judging the ANC, the listing doesn’t specify their sizes or provide fit guidance for particular ear shapes.

Picture settling into a noisy coffee shop: use ANC for a playlist, then switch to Transparency Mode before ordering. For a meeting, the six-mic call setup and Clear Voice Technology are intended to make your voice easier to hear. Audio Snapshot can save up to a minute of media, while call and meeting recordings can run for up to two hours, the app can sort and transcribe recordings with AI. Those are useful extras, but they’re not a substitute for checking local recording rules or confirming the feature is supported where you live.

A solid pick if you want noise control, adjustable sound, and a few recording tools in one set of earbuds. Not the best choice if you need confirmed call-recording availability in your region, detailed battery information, or a stated audio codec before choosing.

Questions before you buy

Can you hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds? Yes. The listing describes a Transparency Mode for staying aware while wearing them.

Can they connect to two devices? Dual-device connection is listed, with compatibility stated for iOS and Android.

Can you record calls anywhere? No such guarantee is given. Call recording is limited to supported countries or regions, and the listing directs buyers to check the current supported list.

Buying verdict

Choose the Ear (3a) if you want ANC, a transparency option, app-based sound adjustment, and dual-device connections together. Its appeal is the mix of everyday listening and added call or audio recording features, rather than a single standout spec. If recording is central to your decision, confirm regional support first, if you mainly need basic earbuds and won’t use the app tools or ANC, a simpler set may be a more sensible fit.