# Are the AirPods Pro 3 better than Nothing? - Nothing Ear (3) Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-wLRCGj6o0 Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/U-wLRCGj6o0 Generated: 2025-10-10T20:34:39.351+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The Nothing Ear (3) earbuds launch at $180, positioning them as cheaper alternatives to AirPods Pro 3, but they feature significantly overcooked bass out of the box and inferior noise cancellation, while offering superior custom EQ tuning capabilities and a unique, potentially useful 'talk button' microphone feature built into the case. **Key Points:** - The Nothing Ear (3) launch price is $180, making them cheaper than AirPods Pro (which are implied to be more expensive), though this is an increase from previous Nothing earbud generations that started at $100. - Out of the box, the Nothing Ear (3) exhibit severely overcooked bass, measuring "way way way out here" compared to the preferred bass band, which the reviewer found comical. - When comparing EQ graphs, the AirPods Pro 3 and Nothing Ear (3) are similarly V-shaped, but the AirPods sound warmer due to elevated lower mids, whereas the Nothings have depressed lower mids and sound colder. - The customizability of the Nothing Ear (3) app is a major advantage, allowing users to import lab-tuned EQ profiles, such as the one made by DMS, which dramatically improved the sound profile by balancing the V-shape. - Noise cancellation on the Nothing Ear (3) is described as "normal," with the reviewer expecting the AirPods Pro 3 to be on "the next level" that others will take years to catch up to. - A unique feature is the 'talk button' on the case, a dual microphone array allowing for walkie-talkie style communication that provides crystal clear voice calls, which could be a deciding factor between competing products. - Battery life is cited as 5.5 hours listening with ANC on for the buds, totaling 38 hours, though the case offers less total playback (22 hours with ANC on) compared to the previous generation. **Context:** The video reviews the new Nothing Ear (3) earbuds, positioning them against the anticipated AirPods Pro 3, as viewers seek cheaper alternatives that might offer better sound quality despite potential trade-offs. The review covers the physical design, which features a redesigned case with an aluminum band and transparent elements, along with an initial sound test that immediately revealed significant bass tuning issues that required software correction. ## Detailed Analysis The Nothing Ear (3) earbuds present a distinct design with transparent elements and a redesigned case featuring a USB-C port and a unique 'talk button' microphone array built into the case for improved call quality. Initial sound testing revealed the out-of-box tuning is heavily bass-boosted to an unacceptable degree, contrasting sharply with the previous Nothing Ear 2's nearly flat tuning. Frequency analysis showed the Nothings are overcooked in bass and highs, with mids depressed, while the AirPods Pro 3 are similarly V-shaped but have elevated lower mids, resulting in the AirPods sounding warmer. A critical advantage of the Nothings is their app, which allows advanced customization, including importing expert EQ settings via QR code, instantly transforming the sound from 'comical' to balanced and fuller, though using the advanced EQ lowers the overall volume compared to the simple preset. Noise cancellation is noted as being standard, likely inferior to the AirPods Pro 3. The case's 'talk button' is highlighted as a strong selling point for users prioritizing call quality in noisy environments. Despite launching at $180, which is higher than previous generations, the ability to significantly tune the sound makes them a better buy than the AirPods Pro 3 if the user prioritizes sound customization and the call feature over top-tier ANC. ### Design and Unboxing - Case redesigned with aluminum band and transparent industrial look - Buds have a stem design and transparent sections with a red dot indicator - Comes with three sizes of silicone ear tips and a short USB-C cable. ### Audio Performance and EQ - Out-of-box tuning features extreme bass emphasis, which is deemed unacceptable - EQ graphs show a V-shape similar to AirPods Pro 3 but with inverted mid-range tuning - Custom EQ is highly effective, allowing import of expert 'Labs Tune' via QR code for balanced sound. ### Noise Cancellation and Features - ANC is described as 'normal,' expected to be inferior to AirPods Pro 3 - Transparency mode makes the speaker sound more natural than ANC off mode - Features include adaptive ANC, special audio, bass enhancement, and personal sound profile creation. ### Interface and Controls - Uses physical stem presses instead of finicky taps for controls - Customizable actions include double press, triple press, and hold for functions like volume control, which is considered crucial. ### The Talk Button Feature - A unique dual microphone array in the case designed for professional calls in noisy environments - Activated by holding or double-clicking to lock on, enabling walkie-talkie style communication. ### Battery and Pricing - Buds offer 5.5 hours with ANC on, total playback up to 38 hours - 10 minutes of charging yields 10 hours of non-ANC playback - Launch price is $180, a significant increase from the original $100 launch price.