Nothing has announced the Ear (3a), a new line of true-wireless earbuds priced under $100 [1].

The release targets budget-conscious consumers who want high-end features without the premium price tag. By integrating active noise cancellation (ANC) into a more affordable model, the company is challenging the mid-range audio market [3, 4].

The earbuds officially launched July 7, 2024 [4], though details of the hardware leaked hours before the company's formal announcement [2, 5]. The device is now available for purchase through retail partners and online stores worldwide [1, 3].

Technical specifications for the Ear (3a) include 12mm drivers and support for LDAC, a codec that allows for higher-quality audio streaming [2, 6]. The device also includes active noise cancellation to block external sounds [3].

In terms of pricing, the earbuds are listed at $99 in the U.S. [1]. Some reports indicate a price of €99 in European markets [2]. The new model also introduces a pink color option to the company's product lineup [1, 6].

Nothing designed the Ear (3a) to provide a bridge for users who find professional-grade audio equipment too expensive but require more functionality than basic wireless buds [3, 4].

“True-wireless earbuds priced under $100”

The introduction of the Ear (3a) signals a strategic move by Nothing to capture the entry-level enthusiast market. By offering LDAC support and ANC, features typically reserved for more expensive models, at a sub-$100 price point, the company is increasing pressure on other budget audio brands to improve their hardware specifications to remain competitive.