Nothing Launches Ear (3) With Super Mic Earbuds

London-based consumer tech firm Nothing has unveiled its latest wireless earbuds, the Ear (3). The new model introduces a Super Mic system built into the charging case and, for the first time, incorporates metal into its transparent design.

Focus On Call Clarity

Nothing said the Super Mic is designed to improve voice quality in noisy environments. The dual-microphone system, housed in the charging case, can cut through background noise up to 95 dB. It is activated by pressing a TALK button on the case, allowing users to hold clearer conversations without needing to take out their earbuds.

The company said the system can also be used for quick voice notes. Pressing the TALK button records directly to Essential Space, Nothing’s productivity platform, where audio is synced and transcribed automatically for users running Nothing OS.

Each earbud also carries three directional microphones and a bone-conduction Voice Pick-up Unit that detects micro-vibrations from the jaw and ear canal. This setup, paired with an Ai-based environmental noise-cancellation system trained on more than 20 million hours of audio, helps isolate the user’s voice and reduce wind interference by over 25 dB.

“Clear communication has been one of the biggest challenges for wireless earbuds,” a Nothing spokesperson said. “With Ear (3), we’ve aimed to deliver consistency in call quality regardless of where you are.”

Noise Control And Sound

The earbuds feature Real-time Adaptive Noise Cancellation of up to 45 dB, adjusting to environmental changes every 600 milliseconds. The system also monitors fit-related leakage every 1,875 milliseconds to maintain consistent isolation.

Nothing has upgraded the drivers to 12 mm units with a patterned diaphragm that increases the radiating area by 20 per cent compared to the previous model. The company said this results in stronger bass response, clearer treble and a wider soundstage.

Design And Materials

The Ear (3) retains Nothing’s transparent look but now includes polished metal accents. A new Metal-Insulator-Metal antenna, just 0.35 mm thick, boosts total radiated power by 15 per cent and signal sensitivity by 20 per cent compared to the Ear (2).

The charging case is made from 100 per cent recycled aluminium. It is manufactured using 27 precision processes and nano injection moulding to fuse metal and plastic without glue. Nothing said this approach improves durability and finish quality while reducing material waste.

Performance And Connectivity

The earbuds are equipped with 55 mAh batteries, offering up to 10 hours of listening per charge. With the charging case, total playback extends to 38 hours. A 10-minute USB-C charge delivers up to 10 hours of playback, while wireless charging is also supported.

Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC is standard, along with low-latency performance under 120 milliseconds for gaming and video use. Pairing options include Google Fast Pair for Android, Microsoft Swift Pair for Windows, and compatibility with iOS devices.

Customisation is handled through the Nothing X app, where users can configure controls and integrate services such as Essential Space or ChatGPT.

Both the earbuds and case carry an IP54 rating for protection against dust, sweat and light rain.

Pricing And Availability

Ear (3) is available in black and white finishes at a price of $299 in Australia and NZ$349 in New Zealand. Pre-orders are open from 18 September via nothing.tech and select retail partners. Open sales begin 25 September through Nothing’s website and JB Hi-Fi.

Carl Pei, Chief Executive of Nothing, said the Ear (3) is intended to build on the company’s design-driven approach while addressing practical issues like call clarity and battery life.

“Our aim has been to combine innovation in design with features that make a difference to how people use earbuds day-to-day,” he said. “The Ear (3) continues that direction.”

Last Updated on September 27, 2025 by Nick Ross