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Nothing Ear (a)Black
Nothing · Released January 1, 2024

Ear (a)

Nothing's Ear (a) lasted 8 h 49 min in one test and costs $59 at Nothing's US store.

Wireless Earbuds
8.6/10What the pros sayExcellentExpert consensus · Verified Oct 8, 2026See score breakdown ↓
Finish · Black
Buying call

Buy the Ear (a) at Nothing's $59 (Oct 8, 2026; list $79) if you want long battery life and some noise canceling for under $60: it lasted 8 h 49 min per charge in one test, and Nothing claims 42.5 hours with the case. It works the same on iPhone and Android, with an EQ in Nothing's app and two-device connection. Skip it for flights, because one lab measured about 57% average noise reduction, against 80.9% for the $79 Ear (3a). It's rated only IP54, and the case has no wireless charging.

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Real-world useBased on everyday testing, not a spec sheet
Unbiased reviewIndependent and objective, sources shown
Ear (a)Check current priceBuy on eBay
Key specs
Driver size
0.43 in (11 mm)
Highlights

Specs that matter

Audio
Type
Earbuds
Wear
In-ear / earbuds
ANC
Yes
Bluetooth
5.3
Battery
42.5 h
Driver
11 mm
Body
Weight
10.58 lb (4.8 kg)
IP rating
IP54
Colors
Black, White, Yellow
At a glance

Product highlights

Verified attributes, grouped for quick scanning.

AudioEarbuds · In-ear / earbuds · ANCBT 5.3 · 42.5 h
Weight10.58 lb (4.8 kg)IP54
18 attributes · See all specifications
Price & availability

Where to buy

Prices from trusted US retailers, updated daily.

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2 price points tracked.
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Buying decision

Should you buy it?

Buy the Ear (a) at Nothing's $59 (Oct 8, 2026; list $79) if you want long battery life and some noise canceling for under $60: it lasted 8 h 49 min per charge in one test, and Nothing claims 42.5 hours with the case. It works the same on iPhone and Android, with an EQ in Nothing's app and two-device connection. Skip it for flights, because one lab measured about 57% average noise reduction, against 80.9% for the $79 Ear (3a). It's rated only IP54, and the case has no wireless charging.

Best for

Budget buyers on iPhone or Android who want long battery life and some ANC.

Not for

Flyers who need strong ANC, and anyone who wants wireless charging.

Main strength8 h 49 min per charge in one test
Main weaknessAbout 57% average noise reduction with ANC on
Reasons to buy
8 h 49 min per charge in one test
LDAC and multipoint
Adjustable EQ in Nothing's app
Five-star scores in several reviews
Reasons to avoid
About 57% average noise reduction with ANC on
No wireless charging
The EQ is basic
Minor connection issues in one test
Measured view8.6/10What the pros say · verified oct 8, 2026.
ScoreVerified Oct 8, 2026
Independent coverage

What other reviewers say

Reviews from other sites and creators. They don't change the Gadget Clash score.

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SoundGuys7.8/10
Article · Full reviewNothing Ear (a) reviewChase Bernath · Apr 2025

Asks whether these are the best feature-packed budget earbuds.

Read on SoundGuys ↗
WIRED8/10
Article · Full reviewNothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a) Review: Third Time, Still CharmingParker Hall · Apr 2024

Covers both models; still charming and among the best Android earbuds.

Read on WIRED ↗
TechRadar5/5
Article · Full reviewNothing Ear (a) review: mellow yellow earbuds to herald Nothing's purple patchBecky Scarrott · Apr 2024

Full marks; the reviewer sees them as a top pick around $99.

Read on TechRadar ↗
SoundGuysNothing Ear (a) Review: Cutting Too Many Corners?Watch on YouTube ↗
Head to head

How it stacks up

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Nothing Ear (a)
This deviceEar (a)
VS
Nothing Ear (3)
AlternativeNothing Ear (3)
Score
8.68
Full comparison
Nothing Ear (a)
This deviceEar (a)
VS
Nothing Ear
AlternativeNothing Ear
Score
8.68
Full comparison
Nothing Ear (a)
This deviceEar (a)
VS
Nothing Ear (3a)
AlternativeNothing Ear (3a)
Score
8.68
Full comparison
Same category

Alternatives worth a look

Other phones in the database, with their stored scores and prices.

All wireless earbuds →
Ear8.0
NothingEarNothing's Ear (2024) is $69 at Nothing's US store, down from $149 at launch, with LDAC and 8 h 4 min in one test.
Ear (3)8.0
NothingEar (3)Nothing's flagship buds with LDAC and a Super Mic in the case
Ear (3a)8.0
NothingEar (3a)Nothing's Ear (3a) cut 80.9% of noise in one test, and Nothing's US store has it at $79.
Product data

Full specifications

18 attributes, grouped for quick scanning. Verified Oct 8, 2026. Spot a wrong value? Hit the next to it.

Sound

Driver type
Dynamic
Driver size
0.43 in (11 mm)

Noise Control

Adaptive ANC
✓

Battery

Total with case
42.5

Connectivity

Codecs
SBC,AAC,LDAC
Multipoint
✓

Microphone

Microphone
Yes

Comfort & Build

Water resistance
IP54
Colors
  • Black
  • White
  • Yellow

Launch

Released
2024
Vote & discuss

Community says

No reader votes on the Ear (a) yet. Votes happen on head-to-heads: pick a matchup and say which one you would buy.

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