Within days of Apple revealing its newest generation AirPods Pro 3, UK-based tech brand Nothing also come up with its premium TWS earbuds. Called the Nothing Ear 3, these earbuds represent the fourth generation of the brand’s audio offerings (the Nothing Ear and Ear a represent the third generation). The Ear 3 has been unveiled in global markets and is yet to be released in India.
Other than the usual upgrades in the audio performance and the noise cancellation departments, the Ear 3 also features a Super Mic feature on its case – the idea is to use the case’s mic to transmit a clear voice in crowded areas. Call it a gimmick or a useful feature you would use frequently, this lends the Nothing Ear 3 an advantage on the specs sheet.
On the other hand, there’s Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, which has been redesigned to fit well in the ear. The AirPods Pro 3 also get stronger noise cancellation, better in-ear drivers and new health tracking features. These health tracking features are Apple’s way of doing a gimmick that could be useful to a wider audience who believe in fitness upkeep.
Hence, which of these premium TWS earbuds should you invest in? Let’s find out with a detailed comparison between the Nothing Ear 3 and Apple AirPods Pro 3.
Design
Nothing continues its signature transparent aesthetic with the Ear 3, which also features a clear casing with subtle metal accents. The charging case is made from 100 per cent recycled aluminum. Both the earbuds and the case are IP54-rated for dust and water resistance and are available in Black and White colours. The case features the Super Mic microphone and a separate Talk button, along with a USB-C charging port.
In contrast, Apple has redesigned the AirPods Pro 3 with a focus on improved fit and stability. The internal architecture of each earbud is smaller, with the ear tips realigned for a more secure fit. While it is solely made out of the usual white plastics, it feels well-built. The new AirPods come with five sizes of foam-infused ear tips, including an XXS size. They also boast an IP57 sweat and water resistance rating, making them more durable for workouts and challenging weather conditions.
Smart features and performance
The Nothing Ear 3 brings a new Super Mic feature in the charging case to reduce noise by up to 95dB for clearer calls in crowded areas. Users can also record voice notes and get them transcribed automatically in Essential Space on Nothing phones. The earbuds promise seamless pairing with Android, Windows, and iOS devices. It also features Real-Time Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which adjusts to the environment and blocks up to 45dB of noise.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3, on the other hand, are packed with advanced features powered by the new H4 chip. A new photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor enables heart rate tracking for workouts. The earbuds also introduce Live Translation for in-person conversations across select languages, powered by Apple Intelligence. Apple says that the ANC is two times more effective than the previous generation. The ‘Personalised Transparency’ feature makes a user’s voice sound more natural, while an ‘Automatic Conversation Boost’ is also available for users with hearing aids, providing powerful amplification and background noise reduction.
Battery life and charging
The Nothing Ear 3 promises up to 10 hours of listening time on a single charge. With the included case, this extends to a total of 38 hours. A 10-minute charge via USB Type-C provides up to 10 hours of use, and the case supports wireless charging.
As for the Apple AirPods Pro 3, Apple promises up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC active. With the MagSafe charging case included, Apple promises up to 24 hours of battery life on a full charge. A 5-minute charge in the case provides up to an hour of playback time. You can use the USB-C port to charge up the battery or rely on the MagSafe wireless charging.
Price in India
While the Nothing Ear 3 is expected to launch soon in India, a specific price in India has not been shared yet. In US, the Nothing Ear 3 costs $179 (approximately Rs 15,800). Hence, you can expect the prices to be on similar levels in India.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 costs Rs 25,900 in India and comes in only a single colourway.
