soundguys.com
81Score and link only; this publisher does not allow quotes.
Read the full review
Image © NothingNothing Ear (a)
At a glance
- Brand
- Nothing
- Type
- True Wireless
- Fit
- -
- Connection
- Wireless
- Noise cancelling
- Yes
- Released
- 2024
Score breakdowngreat overall
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling6.2
Battery7.7
Calls7.5
Value9.7
Review and comparison: Is the Nothing Ear (a) better than the other best $100 earbuds? Test vs OnePlus Buds 3, Realme Buds Air 5 Pro, Soundcore 4 NC.
The HearWiki takeAI-condensed
The Nothing Ear (a) delivers a warm, immersive sound signature wrapped in a distinctive design, making it a strong contender in the budget true wireless segment. It offers impressive battery life, comfortable fit, and solid hybrid ANC for the price, though its touch controls can be finicky and Android multipoint connectivity may occasionally stutter.
What works
- Warm, engaging sound with good bass presence
- Exceptional battery life, especially with the case
- Solid hybrid ANC and clear call quality for the price
- Lightweight, comfortable fit with IP54 splash resistance
- Feature-rich with LDAC support and custom EQ via app
What doesn't
- Touch controls can be unreliable and require practice
- Multipoint connection issues on some Android devices
- Charging case lacks wireless charging support
- Build feels less premium compared to pricier rivals
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
Specifications
| Driver | 11 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 11 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
Audio
| Driver | 11 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 11 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
Wireless
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
|---|---|
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes |
| Wireless range | 10 m |
Battery
| Battery life | 9.5 h |
|---|---|
| Battery life (ANC on) | 5.5 h |
| Battery incl. case | 42.5 h |
| Quick charge | 10 min → 10 h |
| Wireless charging | No |
Features
| Active noise cancelling | Yes |
|---|---|
| ANC type | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes |
| Custom EQ | Yes |
| Wear detection | Yes |
| Controls | touch |
Design
| Weight | 4.8 g |
|---|---|
| Case weight | 39.6 g |
| Water resistance | IP54 |
| USB-C | Yes |
Where to buy
Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.
What the reviews said
5 source(s) feeding this product's score.
What YouTube reviewers say
Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.
21:31The DEFINITIVE REVIEW of the Nothing Ear (2024), Ear (a), and Ear (2) Compared by an AUDIO ENGINEER
The reviewer compares the Nothing Ear (a) with the Nothing Ear (2024) and Ear (2), finding the Ear (a) to be a solid budget option with good battery life and a comfortable fit, though it lacks advanced EQ and wireless charging. The Ear (2024) is praised for its improved ANC, advanced EQ, and overall sound quality, making it a worthy upgrade for most users, while the Ear (2) is seen as dated in comparison.
MixedWatch on YouTube
15:09Almost Too Good To Be True - NEW Nothing Ear(a)
The reviewer is highly impressed with the Nothing Ear (a) earbuds, stating they offer near-flagship performance at a budget price of $99. They praise the sound quality, active noise cancellation, design, and feature set, noting that the earbuds check almost every box on their review checklist. The main drawbacks are the finicky pinch controls, a weak transparency mode, and a lack of wireless charging, but these are not deal-breakers given the price.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
6:45Nothing Ear (a) 1-Month Review: WAY Better! Best $99 ANC Earbuds?
The reviewer concludes that the Nothing Ear (a) is an excellent value at $99, offering a balanced sound profile, strong ANC, and improved comfort over previous Nothing models. They find it a better buy than the pricier Nothing Ear due to its more practical case and reliable connectivity, and they highly recommend it for anyone seeking quality wireless earbuds under $100.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
Own these? Rate them.
A minute of your experience with the Nothing Ear (a) helps the next person shopping for them.
Alternatives in the $40–$160 range
Other true wireless models at a comparable price, ordered by HearWiki score.
More from Nothing
Other Nothing models in the database, same category first.
Where it sits in our rankings
The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.