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Is it worth upgrading from the Nothing Ear (3a)?

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Headphones · 1/5 in this check (kept in the link)

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Your headphone

Nothing Ear (3a)

6974434228757 · White · UK
Design
Not verified
Weight per earbud
4.53 g
Impedance
Not verified
Microphone
Yes
Product detailsChoose a different headphone

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Closest to the Nothing Ear (3a) by stated key specifications first. Closeness is not a ranking; each card lists what differs.

Nothing Ear (3) white earbuds with transparent stems in an open grey metal charging case with clear lid

Nothing Ear (3)

Compared with yours · Nothing Ear (3a)

  • Weight per earbud4.53 g → 5.2 g
  • ConnectionBluetooth 6.0 (SBC, AAC, LDAC) with dual connection; USB-C charging on the case → Bluetooth 5.4 (AAC, SBC, LDAC) with dual connection; USB-C and wireless charging on the case
  • Battery lifeAAC: earbuds up to 6 hours with ANC on and up to 10 hours with ANC off; with the charging case up to 25 hours with ANC on and up to 42 hours with ANC off. LDAC: earbuds up to 4.5 hours ANC on / 6 hours ANC off; with case up to 20 hours ANC on / 28 hours ANC off. → AAC: earbuds up to 5.5 hours with ANC on and up to 10 hours with ANC off; with the charging case up to 22 hours with ANC on and up to 38 hours with ANC off. LDAC: earbuds up to 3.5 hours with ANC on and 5.5 hours with ANC off (no case total given for LDAC).
  • DesignNot verified → Not verified
  • ImpedanceNot verified → Not verified

Same: Microphone Yes

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View details

Full comparison vs Nothing Ear (3a)

More details & evidence

Exact model: 6974434226791 · White · UK

Sources: 19 of 19 specifications cited.

Evidence · 100% source coverage

19/19 listed facts sourced. Checked 28 Sept 2026. This describes source coverage, not product quality or independent testing.

Manufacturer facts
19
Calculated from sources
0
Independent measurements
Not available
Owner evidence
Not available
Conflicting facts
None recorded
View the manufacturer source

Region not confirmed

Market details

Specification region not confirmed. UK availability not verified.

The specification region comes from this product’s reviewed variant record. It does not confirm local stock, warranty or delivery.

Check the manufacturer source

We have no current verified retailer listing for this exact variant in United Kingdom. A price you enter does not establish retailer availability.

Before you choose

Key specification sources
Weight per earbud5.2 g
Evidence & conditions

Manufacturer specification

Each earbud. Nothing lists 71.4 g for the earbuds and case together (buds-and-case weight), not the case alone.

Nothing (UK store, nothing.tech) — Ear (3) product page with technical specifications
MicrophoneYes
Evidence & conditions

Manufacturer specification

Three MEMS microphones per earbud plus a voice pickup unit (VPU) per earbud; the charging case also contains a dual-microphone 'Super Mic' activated with its Talk button.

Nothing (UK store, nothing.tech) — Ear (3) product page with technical specifications
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All product specifications →
CMF Buds 2 light green earbuds in an open light green charging case marked Buds 2

Nothing CMF Buds 2

Compared with yours · Nothing Ear (3a)

  • Weight per earbud4.53 g → 4.5 g
  • ConnectionBluetooth 6.0 (SBC, AAC, LDAC) with dual connection; USB-C charging on the case → Bluetooth 5.4 (AAC, SBC) with dual connection; USB-C charging on the case
  • Battery lifeAAC: earbuds up to 6 hours with ANC on and up to 10 hours with ANC off; with the charging case up to 25 hours with ANC on and up to 42 hours with ANC off. LDAC: earbuds up to 4.5 hours ANC on / 6 hours ANC off; with case up to 20 hours ANC on / 28 hours ANC off. → Earbuds up to 7.5 hours with ANC on and 13.5 hours with ANC off; with the charging case 32 hours with ANC on and 55 hours with ANC off.
  • Drivers12 mm dynamic driver, 32 Ω, PMI+TPU diaphragm → Custom 11 mm dynamic driver, PMI + PU diaphragm, Dirac Opteo tuning
  • DesignNot verified → Not verified
  • ImpedanceNot verified → Not verified

Same: Microphone Yes

Compare side by side
View details

Full comparison vs Nothing CMF Buds 2a

More details & evidence

Exact model: 6974434225053 · Light Green · UK

Sources: 20 of 20 specifications cited.

Evidence · 100% source coverage

20/20 listed facts sourced. Checked 28 Sept 2026. This describes source coverage, not product quality or independent testing.

Manufacturer facts
20
Calculated from sources
0
Independent measurements
Not available
Owner evidence
Not available
Conflicting facts
None recorded
View the manufacturer source

Region not confirmed

Market details

Specification region not confirmed. UK availability not verified.

The specification region comes from this product’s reviewed variant record. It does not confirm local stock, warranty or delivery.

Check the manufacturer source

We have no current verified retailer listing for this exact variant in United Kingdom. A price you enter does not establish retailer availability.

Before you choose

Key specification sources
Weight per earbud4.5 g
Evidence & conditions

Manufacturer specification

Each earbud. The charging case weighs 41.5 g.

Nothing (UK store, nothing.tech) — CMF Buds 2 product page with technical specifications
MicrophoneYes
Evidence & conditions

Manufacturer specification

Six HD microphones in total (three per bud) with Clear Voice Technology 3.0 and Wind Noise Reduction 3.0.

Nothing (UK store, nothing.tech) — CMF Buds 2 product page with technical specifications
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Your total including delivery and taxes, for this exact variant in new condition. This remains your assumption.

All product specifications →
CMF Buds 2 Plus light grey earbuds in an open light grey charging case marked Buds 2 Plus

Nothing CMF Buds 2 Plus

Compared with yours · Nothing Ear (3a)

  • Weight per earbud4.53 g → 4.5 g
  • ConnectionBluetooth 6.0 (SBC, AAC, LDAC) with dual connection; USB-C charging on the case → Bluetooth 5.4 (AAC, SBC, LDAC) with dual connection; USB-C charging on the case
  • Battery lifeAAC: earbuds up to 6 hours with ANC on and up to 10 hours with ANC off; with the charging case up to 25 hours with ANC on and up to 42 hours with ANC off. LDAC: earbuds up to 4.5 hours ANC on / 6 hours ANC off; with case up to 20 hours ANC on / 28 hours ANC off. → AAC: earbuds up to 7.5 hours with ANC on and 14 hours with ANC off; with the case 33 hours with ANC on and 61.5 hours with ANC off. LDAC: earbuds up to 5.5 hours ANC on / 8 hours ANC off; with case up to 25 hours ANC on / 36 hours ANC off.
  • Drivers12 mm dynamic driver, 32 Ω, PMI+TPU diaphragm → Custom 12 mm dynamic driver, LCP + PU diaphragm
  • DesignNot verified → Not verified
  • ImpedanceNot verified → Not verified

Same: Microphone Yes

Compare side by side
View details

Full comparison vs Nothing CMF Buds 2

More details & evidence

Exact model: 6974434225114 · Light Grey · UK

Sources: 20 of 20 specifications cited.

Evidence · 100% source coverage

20/20 listed facts sourced. Checked 28 Sept 2026. This describes source coverage, not product quality or independent testing.

Manufacturer facts
20
Calculated from sources
0
Independent measurements
Not available
Owner evidence
Not available
Conflicting facts
None recorded
View the manufacturer source

Region not confirmed

Market details

Specification region not confirmed. UK availability not verified.

The specification region comes from this product’s reviewed variant record. It does not confirm local stock, warranty or delivery.

Check the manufacturer source

We have no current verified retailer listing for this exact variant in United Kingdom. A price you enter does not establish retailer availability.

Before you choose

Key specification sources
Weight per earbud4.5 g
Evidence & conditions

Manufacturer specification

Each earbud. The charging case weighs 42.5 g.

Nothing (UK store, nothing.tech) — CMF Buds 2 Plus product page with technical specifications
MicrophoneYes
Evidence & conditions

Manufacturer specification

Six HD microphones in total (three per bud) with Clear Voice Technology 3.0 and Wind Noise Reduction 3.0.

Nothing (UK store, nothing.tech) — CMF Buds 2 Plus product page with technical specifications
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Your total including delivery and taxes, for this exact variant in new condition. This remains your assumption.

All product specifications →
CMF Buds 2a orange earbuds in an open orange charging case marked Buds 2A

Nothing CMF Buds 2a

Compared with yours · Nothing Ear (3a)

  • Weight per earbud4.53 g → 4.28 g
  • ConnectionBluetooth 6.0 (SBC, AAC, LDAC) with dual connection; USB-C charging on the case → Bluetooth 5.4 (AAC, SBC) with dual connection; USB-C charging on the case
  • Battery lifeAAC: earbuds up to 6 hours with ANC on and up to 10 hours with ANC off; with the charging case up to 25 hours with ANC on and up to 42 hours with ANC off. LDAC: earbuds up to 4.5 hours ANC on / 6 hours ANC off; with case up to 20 hours ANC on / 28 hours ANC off. → Earbuds up to 5 hours with ANC on and 8 hours with ANC off; with the charging case 23 hours with ANC on and 35.5 hours with ANC off.
  • Drivers12 mm dynamic driver, 32 Ω, PMI+TPU diaphragm → Custom 12.4 mm dynamic driver, bio-fibre + custom TPU diaphragm, Dirac tuning
  • DesignNot verified → Not verified
  • ImpedanceNot verified → Not verified

Same: Microphone Yes

Compare side by side
View details

Full comparison vs Nothing CMF Buds 2

More details & evidence

Exact model: 6974434225138 · Orange · UK

Sources: 18 of 18 specifications cited.

Evidence · 100% source coverage

18/18 listed facts sourced. Checked 28 Sept 2026. This describes source coverage, not product quality or independent testing.

Manufacturer facts
18
Calculated from sources
0
Independent measurements
Not available
Owner evidence
Not available
Conflicting facts
None recorded
View the manufacturer source

Region not confirmed

Market details

Specification region not confirmed. UK availability not verified.

The specification region comes from this product’s reviewed variant record. It does not confirm local stock, warranty or delivery.

Check the manufacturer source

We have no current verified retailer listing for this exact variant in United Kingdom. A price you enter does not establish retailer availability.

Before you choose

Key specification sources
Weight per earbud4.28 g
Evidence & conditions

Manufacturer specification

Each earbud. The charging case weighs 42.75 g.

Nothing (UK store, nothing.tech) — CMF Buds 2a product page with technical specifications
MicrophoneYes
Evidence & conditions

Manufacturer specification

Four HD microphones in total (two per bud) with Clear Voice Technology and Wind Noise Reduction 2.0.

Nothing (UK store, nothing.tech) — CMF Buds 2a product page with technical specifications
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Your total including delivery and taxes, for this exact variant in new condition. This remains your assumption.

All product specifications →
Apple AirPods 5 with USB-C charging case, earbuds seated in the open white case

Apple AirPods 5

Compared with yours · Nothing Ear (3a)

  • Weight per earbud4.53 g → 4.3 g
  • ConnectionBluetooth 6.0 (SBC, AAC, LDAC) with dual connection; USB-C charging on the case → Bluetooth 5.3
  • Battery lifeAAC: earbuds up to 6 hours with ANC on and up to 10 hours with ANC off; with the charging case up to 25 hours with ANC on and up to 42 hours with ANC off. LDAC: earbuds up to 4.5 hours ANC on / 6 hours ANC off; with case up to 20 hours ANC on / 28 hours ANC off. → Up to 4 h per charge with ANC on, 6 h with noise control off; up to 20 h with the charging case with ANC on
  • Drivers12 mm dynamic driver, 32 Ω, PMI+TPU diaphragm → Custom high-excursion Apple driver; custom high dynamic range amplifier
  • DesignNot verified → Not verified
  • ImpedanceNot verified → Not verified

Same: Microphone Yes

Compare side by side
View details

Full comparison vs Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case

More details & evidence

Exact model: USB-C charging case

Sources: 20 of 21 specifications cited · 1 with conflicting sources, shown as such.

Evidence · Conflicting facts to check

20/21 listed facts sourced. Checked date unavailable. This describes source coverage, not product quality or independent testing.

Manufacturer facts
20
Calculated from sources
0
Independent measurements
Not available
Owner evidence
Not available
Conflicting facts
1
View the manufacturer source

Region not confirmed

Market details

Specification region not confirmed. UK availability not verified.

The specification region comes from this product’s reviewed variant record. It does not confirm local stock, warranty or delivery.

Check the manufacturer source

We have no current verified retailer listing for this exact variant in United Kingdom. A price you enter does not establish retailer availability.

Before you choose

Key specification sources
Weight of each earbud4.3 g
Evidence & conditions

Manufacturer specification

Per-earbud mass: Apple’s Size and Weight (Each) section. Not the combined weight of two earbuds or of the charging case; configuration and manufacturing variation apply.

Apple UK — AirPods 5 technical specifications, both case configurations
MicrophoneYes
Evidence & conditions

Manufacturer specification

Dual beam-forming microphones and inward-facing microphone.

Apple UK — AirPods 5 technical specifications, both case configurations
Enter a price you found

Your total including delivery and taxes, for this exact variant in new condition. This remains your assumption.

All product specifications →
Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, earbuds above the open white case

Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case

Compared with yours · Nothing Ear (3a)

  • Weight per earbud4.53 g → 4.3 g
  • ConnectionBluetooth 6.0 (SBC, AAC, LDAC) with dual connection; USB-C charging on the case → Bluetooth 5.3
  • Battery lifeAAC: earbuds up to 6 hours with ANC on and up to 10 hours with ANC off; with the charging case up to 25 hours with ANC on and up to 42 hours with ANC off. LDAC: earbuds up to 4.5 hours ANC on / 6 hours ANC off; with case up to 20 hours ANC on / 28 hours ANC off. → Up to 5 h per charge with ANC on, 7 h with noise control off; up to 22 h with the charging case with ANC on
  • Drivers12 mm dynamic driver, 32 Ω, PMI+TPU diaphragm → Custom high-excursion Apple driver; custom high dynamic range amplifier
  • DesignNot verified → Not verified
  • ImpedanceNot verified → Not verified

Same: Microphone Yes

Compare side by side
View details

Full comparison vs Apple AirPods 5

More details & evidence

Exact model: Wireless Charging Case

Sources: 21 of 22 specifications cited · 1 with conflicting sources, shown as such.

Evidence · Conflicting facts to check

21/22 listed facts sourced. Checked date unavailable. This describes source coverage, not product quality or independent testing.

Manufacturer facts
21
Calculated from sources
0
Independent measurements
Not available
Owner evidence
Not available
Conflicting facts
1
View the manufacturer source

Region not confirmed

Market details

Specification region not confirmed. UK availability not verified.

The specification region comes from this product’s reviewed variant record. It does not confirm local stock, warranty or delivery.

Check the manufacturer source

We have no current verified retailer listing for this exact variant in United Kingdom. A price you enter does not establish retailer availability.

Before you choose

Key specification sources
Weight of each earbud4.3 g
Evidence & conditions

Manufacturer specification

Per-earbud mass: Apple’s Size and Weight (Each) section. Not the combined weight of two earbuds or of the charging case; configuration and manufacturing variation apply.

Apple UK — AirPods 5 technical specifications, both case configurations
MicrophoneYes
Evidence & conditions

Manufacturer specification

Dual beam-forming microphones and inward-facing microphone.

Apple UK — AirPods 5 technical specifications, both case configurations
Enter a price you found

Your total including delivery and taxes, for this exact variant in new condition. This remains your assumption.

All product specifications →