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Nothing's new $99 earbuds include a really clever trick for recording calls and audio
July 7, 2026
- The new $99 Nothing Ear (3a) features 32MB of total internal storage, enabling native call recording and 60-second media “Audio Snapshots” that sync later with the Nothing X app.
- The earbuds feature a larger 12mm dynamic driver for stronger bass, enhanced 45dB ANC, a more rounded case with a new LED status matrix, and a new XS ear tip size.
- Available today in black, white, yellow, and a new pink colorway, the IP54-rated earbuds offer up to 42 hours of total battery life (ANC off) and include three months of free Pro audio transcriptions.
Nothing has officially pulled the wraps off the Ear (3a), the highly anticipated successor to its wildly popular Ear (a) TWS earbuds (there is no Ear(2a), if you were wondering). These new budget-friendly earbuds bring a feature almost unheard of in this segment: built-in storage for native audio recording.
The undisputed highlight of the Ear (3a) is its on-bud recording capability. Packing 16MB of storage per earbud (32MB in total), users can capture audio directly without reaching for their phone. Recordings are first stored on the earbuds, and the files automatically transfer to the Nothing X app when the earbuds are connected to your phone.
This feature is split into two functions: “Audio Snapshot,” which lets you record up to 60 seconds of before-and-after of whatever media you are listening to by pinching the buds, and “Call Recording,” which captures up to two hours of conversations. These files seamlessly sync to the Nothing X app for playback, editing, and even full transcriptions. Users can access free transcription models within the Nothing X app, but there’s also a paid Pro model for the fastest results.
Under the hood, the audio hardware has seen a solid upgrade. Nothing has bumped the dynamic driver up to 12mm, up from the 11mm found in the previous generation Ear (a), now promising up to 5dB stronger bass. The earbuds retain Hi-Res Audio certification with LDAC support, while introducing Static Spatial Audio for a more immersive 3D soundstage.
Audio enthusiasts will also appreciate the new eight-band Advanced EQ, which allows you to fine-tune frequencies and share custom profiles with the Nothing community. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has also been boosted to 45dB of wideband noise reduction to better block out everyday environmental noise, with improvements specifically targeting frequencies between 400Hz and 2,000Hz where such noise usually occurs. Other audio features include Bluetooth 6.0, Dual-connection support, Fast Pair support, and a Low-Latency mode.
On the design front, Nothing keeps its iconic transparent aesthetic but noticeably softens the edges. The charging case is now 50% more rounded, inspired by a pill packet, and introduces a new 1×3 LED status light matrix to display battery and pairing info. Comfort gets a nod as well, with redesigned “umbrella-like” ear tips and a newly added XS size for users with smaller ears. Both the earbuds and the case are now rated for IP54 for water and dust resistance.
Finally, battery life is highly competitive, offering up to 10 hours of playback on the buds alone and 42 hours total with the case when ANC is disabled. The numbers stand at up to six hours on each earbud and up to 25 hours with the case when ANC is enabled. The earbuds have a 55mAh battery, and the case has a 500mAh battery.
Nothing Ear (3a) pricing and availability
The Ear (3a) is available on Nothing’s official website starting today for $99. Alongside the familiar Black, White, and updated Yellow, there is a bold new Pink colorway. Ear (3a) buyers will receive three months of the Pro transcription model for free (limited to 120 minutes per month).
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