Nothing Ear 3 — Super Mic, specs, price & launch

Nothing has unveiled the Ear 3, a $179 pair of true wireless earbuds that add a striking new gimmick: the “Super Mic” — a pair of mics built into the charging case to act like a handheld/beamforming microphone for clearer calls.

Key specs

• Price & launch: $179 — launched Sept 18, 2025
• Drivers: redesigned 12mm dynamic drivers for stronger bass and clearer trebles
• Mics: 3 directional mics per bud + bone conduction VPU; Super Mic inside case
• ANC & audio: active noise cancellation (claimed >25 dB reduction) but mixed results in real-world use
• Battery: ~5.5 hours with ANC (buds) + ~22 hours from case; 5-minute charge ≈ 1 hour playback (no ANC)
• Design: improved stem angle, internal venting, recycled aluminum/plastic case with nano-injection fusion; lanyard loop
• Software: Nothing X app EQ, AI features and deeper integration with Nothing phones (voice note transcription, ChatGPT shortcuts)

What is the Super Mic?

The Super Mic is a pair of beamforming mics embedded in the case. Because the case mics sit more like a handheld microphone and use beamforming, they can isolate your voice better for calls and select voice-recording apps. Supported in-call apps include Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, WhatsApp and WeChat; native voice memos on Android/iOS and Blackmagic’s app can use the Super Mic for recordings. Third-party voice notes in many messaging apps and default smartphone mic inputs typically cannot be overridden.

Hands-on impressions

Call clarity improves with the Super Mic — people reported I sounded clearer and could speak more quietly. The buds themselves have stronger bass and better treble than their predecessor, and fit/signal sensitivity are improved. However, ANC feels weaker than some rivals (Pixel Buds Pro 2, AirPods Pro 2) and occasional environmental hiss was noted during ANC use.

Where to buy / more info

Official product page: https://nothing.tech/products/ear-3

Amazon search (affiliate): Search Nothing Ear 3 on Amazon

Bottom line

The Ear 3 brings an intriguing case-mounted mic concept and notable audio improvements for $179, but ANC performance might leave power users wanting. If you make a lot of voice calls and like the idea of a remote case mic, these could be worth a look.

Tell me: would you try a case-based Super Mic for clearer calls?