If you’re in the market for affordable ANC earbuds, Nothing’s wireless earbuds are among the most popular picks. Right now, the Nothing Ear (a) earbuds are on sale at Amazon, with the black variant dropping to its lowest price of $79 (originally $99) after a 28% discount.
While the Ear (a) briefly fell to $69 during Amazon Prime Day, that was part of a limited-time event rather than a standard sale. If you prefer the white version, you can grab it for just $80, a mere $1 difference from the black model.
Who Are the Nothing Ear (a) Wireless Earbuds For?
Nothing released the Ear (a) (review) alongside the Nothing Ear in April 2024, following the Nothing Ear (2). The Ear (a) is a more budget-friendly version of the Nothing Ear, but it retains most of the core features, making it a compelling option without major sacrifices in sound quality or active noise cancellation (ANC).
Design-wise, the Ear (a) features the same elongated stem as Nothing’s pricier earbuds, with gesture-based controls and an ergonomic, lightweight build. The replaceable ear tips ensure a snug fit, and the earbuds maintain Nothing’s signature transparent aesthetic, extending to the charging case for a unique, futuristic look. The earbuds are IP54-rated, meaning they offer dust and water resistance, while the charging case is IPX2-certified.
The Nothing Ear (a) delivers surprisingly strong audio performance for its price. With 11.6 mm dynamic drivers and improved air vents, the earbuds produce clear mids, crisp highs, and a deep bass response. They also support LDAC codec for high-resolution audio playback. For ANC, the Ear (a) does a solid job of blocking out background noise, and the transparency mode allows ambient sounds in when needed—ideal for staying aware of your surroundings.
Battery life is above average, offering up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge without ANC. With the charging case, total playtime extends to 40 hours. The earbuds are also compatible with both Android and iOS devices, making them a versatile choice for most users.
What are your thoughts on the transparent design of the Ear (a)? Do you think they’re worth it at this price? Let us know in the comments!
